Songkran

Songkran Festival falls in mid-April, the hottest month of the year, and has its origins in ancient astrology and the position of the sun. It is the celebration of the Thai New Year and is by far the most important event of the year. It is both a time of fun, and a special time for the New Year ritual, and to show respect for water—the most important element in the agricultural culture of Southeast Asia. As water plays a big part, the festival is often known as the water festival, and is celebrated at the same time in some neighboring countries including Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Tai minority in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China.

Songkran is arguably the most energetic and sportive Thai festival and is feverishly celebrated in Chiang Rai with literally hundreds of thousands of people coming from all over the country to participate in the week-long event. Pickup trucks with huge water tubs and tanks roam the streets looking for unsuspecting victims to splash and shoot with powerful water guns. Even though attacked and totally soaked, no one seems to get upset—smiles, laughter, and screams of joy and excitement can be heard everywhere. Many people line up along the roads in front of their houses with water guns, buckets, and hoses to battle the army of cruising trucks. And, of course, as everywhere else, a Miss Songkran contest is held with a big parade of beauties vying to get the title.

Thousands head to the Mae Kok River to fill up their tanks or to recharge their energy with local dishes and cold beer at one of the numerous rustic raft cafés, surrounded by blaring, Thai pop songs. In Chiang Saen, there is a parade, the water bathing ceremony of Buddha images, boat races on the Mekong, and folk performances.