Its the Songkran Water Festival (Thai New Year) and your going to Pattaya! Just a brief warning as to what to expect when the crazy Songkran festival is on. What should you expect during the New Year celibrations in Pattaya. Expect to get WET! Songkran is arguably the biggest water fight in the world. There is absolutely no way of avoiding getting wet during Songkran! And by wet I mean a thorough soaking!! Who needs fireworks to celebrate New Year!!
What was traditionally a blessing for family elders, friends and neighbours as manifested it self in to the worlds greatest water fight. Rio has carnival, Pattaya has Songkran. The water is usually taken from oil drums or other large container placed at the road side or in front of the Beer Bar. It may be scooped up in small plastic bowls and gently tipped over your head as you pass by or aimed at you with some considerable force. There are also water guns of every size. The most powerful being the Pattaya Water Canon! A couple of pieces of blue plastic pipe joined together to create a formidable weapon that is capable of projecting a jet of water over 30ft That powerful in fact that the Thai police have banned them. (Trying to)
Pattaya Beach Road, bar girls having "Fun In The Sun"
Not even the street vendors escape during Songkran!! So when someone puts your barbecue out, its time to pick up your weapon and join in. Brilliant fun.
I wish I had more photographs of the Songkran but unless your wearing a full diving suite and have a waterproof camera you are just asking for trouble.
If you are in Thailand during the Songkran and are visiting Pattaya, remember it is a celebration. To receive a "Sprinkling" of water (or a drenching!) or to have you face smeared with talcum powder is a great honor. If you don't see it that way just grab a bucket, and seek revenge on another unsuspecting passer by hehe. Especially if you received you blessing from one of the water stations that have just filled their 55 gallon drum with an extremely large block of "ICE". Even for those with the strongest of hearts this can be quite a shock! Be warned.
The Songkran festivities are usually celebrated on the 19Th April in Pattaya but can start up to 4 or 5 days earlier building to a huge party with parades and floats being driven around the main streets of Pattaya. Although the water throwing should stop each night at 6PM never take this as gospel. You can get a good soaking at any time during the Songkran! and now with flights and hotel prices lower than ever its never been a better time to visit Pattaya and participate in the Songkran festival. Great fun.
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