Songkran
SONGKRAN: The Thai New Year
Sunday, April 13, 2014 was when the Thai New Year was celebrated this year and I was so fortunate to be able to be a part of it. It was one of the most incredible experiences. The celebration actually began that Saturday night. Me and a few of the girls were debating whether we should go out Saturday night or save ourselves for Sunday because we were starting early Sunday around 10. Well we ended up deciding on going out Saturday and I was SO HAPPY we did!!! We were warned that people would start throwing water on us Saturday around midnight because that’s what Songkran is: a huge water fight, but we didn’t think it would be too crazy. We were SO wrong. As soon as we arrived to the bar scene in Hua Hin there were people everywhere with water guns and buckets of water! We weren’t even out of our tuk tuk yet (taxi) and the thai people were soaking us with water. They also have this clay type of stuff that they come up to you with and spread it on your face. Yes I know, it sounds strange but after the first couple times you get used to it and embrace it.
The streets that night were packed with hundreds and hundreds of people. You could barely make your way through the crowds. Within 5 minutes of being there we were soaked and covered in clay. The water fights weren’t only taking place in the streets, but the bars too! Oh, and some of the water that was being thrown at us was ICE COLD. It was a blast and one of the funnest nights ever! The energy was amazing and I don’t think I have ever been around so many happy people in my life.
On Sunday we woke up and were ready to do it all over again! We headed to the location where XploreAsia had set up for us. Once again as soon as we stepped outside we were soaked. Words and pictures really can’t describe the actual experience, but it was absolutely amazing and am so happy I was able to be a part of it.
I left my camera and phone home all weekend because I wasn’t taking the chance of getting it wet (which it would have) so I don’t have any photos but luckily my friends Carolyn and Victoria had a waterproof camera that they captured the weekend on. I also stole some photos from XploreAsia. Carolyn and Victoria also made a video of the weekend and the links below!
Everyone wears hawaiin shirts on Songkran (not too sure why)
Here’s the link to the Songkran video you should definitely check out!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6FKzteULEw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6FKzteULEw