{"id":2688,"date":"2017-04-04T09:29:44","date_gmt":"2017-04-04T07:29:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thailandee.com\/blog\/en\/?p=2688"},"modified":"2017-04-04T09:29:44","modified_gmt":"2017-04-04T07:29:44","slug":"celebrate-songkran-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thailandee.com\/blog\/en\/index.php\/2688-celebrate-songkran-2017","title":{"rendered":"Where to celebrate Songkran 2017 ?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In a little more than one week, Thailand will celebrate Songkran<\/strong>, the Thai New Year with many events, festivals and celebrations around the country. Here is a list of events organized for Songkran 2017<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

\"Songkran<\/p>\n

So here\u2019s a region-by-region round-up of some of the best nationwide Songkran Festivals to be enjoyed in 2017.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Songkran in Bangkok<\/h3>\n

Songkran Splendours: Amazing Songkran 2017<\/strong>
Date: 8 \u2013 13 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Benjasiri Park, Bangkok<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Songkran
Songkran 2017 will kick off in Bangkok with a Songkran Splendours: Amazing Songkran 2017 which will show off different elements of Thailand\u2019s New Year celebrations taking place nationwide. The event will be divided into Four Zones, each with demonstrations of culture and cuisine. Visitors will get the chance to take part in traditional activities, try food associated with Songkran and enjoy entertainment and cultural performances.<\/p>\n

The event will kick off with an Amazing Songkran Joyful Procession on 8 April 2017. This procession, from 17.30 to 20.30 Hrs., will head down Sukhumvit Road, starting from the Phrom Phong Junction and will finish at Pathum Wan Intersection.<\/p>\n

This six part parade will teach spectators how Songkran celebration has changed over the years and feature floral tributes, mythical creatures and dancers and eco-friendly displays.<\/p>\n

Finishing on 13 April, Songkran Splendours: Amazing Songkran 2017 will inspire people to travel upcountry and discover their own Songkran stories in different parts of the kingdom.<\/p>\n

\n

Songkran in Bangkok Yai<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: 12 \u2013 16 April, 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

Venue: Wat Arun and New Arun Amarin Road<\/strong><\/p>\n

There can be few more iconic places to celebrate Songkran than the famous Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn on the Chao Phraya River. Here, people can come and experience the most moving and ancient aspects of the festival by helping the bathe some of the city\u2019s most sacred Buddha images. This way of making merit is believed to ensure good luck for the New Year. Many people visit Wat Arun as one of nine temples they will go to when they make merit for the New Year. Other temples in the Rattanokosin area include Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Phra Kaeo or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Suthat Thepphawararam, Wat Chana Songkhram, Wat Boworn, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Rakhang Khositaram, and Wat Kanlaya.<\/p>\n

Do note that this is an alcohol-free zone for the duration of the Songkran ceremonies.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact <\/em><\/strong>Phra Nakhorn District Office: Tel. +66 (0) 2628 9068<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Songkran in Banglumpoo<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: 12 \u2013 13 April, 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

Venue: Suan Santi Chaiprakarn (park), Phra Artit Road, Bangkok <\/strong><\/p>\n

Here by the Chao Phraya River in this historic part of Bangkok, there will be a ceremony where the renowned \u201cPhutta Bang Lumpooprachanath\u201d Buddha image is brought with great respect, from Bowonniwet Vihara Temple to Santi Chaiprakarn Park for the public to pray to and to offer blessings. There are also other Buddhist ceremonies such as giving food to monks and the Thai tradition of being blessed by elders.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact <\/em><\/strong>Phra Nakhorn District Office: Tel. +66 (0) 2628 9068<\/em><\/p>\n

Bangkok Songkran Festival 2017<\/strong>
Date: 13-15 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: CentralWorld Shopping Complex, Bangkok<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Bangkok<\/strong>
The Bangkok Songkran Festival is at its biggest and most fun at the large outside area in front of CentralWorld Shopping Complex. Here, as well as water play, there will be the chance to experience some of the more traditional aspects of Songkran in an alcohol-free, family-friendly atmosphere. Best of all, there will be a foam party which gives people a new way to enjoy the watery fun while cooling off at the hottest time of the year. The party takes place from 13-15 April, 2017 and is open to everyone.
For more information call CentralWorld: Tel. +66 (0) 21 9999, 02 640 7000<\/em><\/p>\n

S2O Songkran Music Festival 2017<\/strong>
Date: 13-15 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Show DC Oasis Arena, Rama 9, Bangkok<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"S2O
The S2O Songkran Music Festival 2017, sponsored by PepsiCo, is set to be the wettest and most entertaining New Year event in town. It is aimed at young and young-at-heart music lovers looking for a memorable way to spend their Songkran break. This means there will be a range of entertainment on offer, not to mention sets by well-known DJs. So it you are looking to dance this year, this is the place to come. To ensure everyone keeps their cool at this hottest time of the year, the S20 Festival will feature a 360-degree fountain that shoots water into the crown.
A 3-day pass ticket is 3,200 Baht and is available at www.S2OFestival.com<\/em><\/p>\n

Songkran \u2013 Pha Khao Ma Yok Siam<\/strong>
Date: 13-15 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Siam Square, Bangkok<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Songkran
Siam Square will free up some of its popular shopping space to provide areas where the city\u2019s young people can enjoy all the fun and joy of Songkran. Under the theme \u2018Songkran \u2013 Pha Khao Ma\u2019 participants will be treated to free music and concerts with great food to try and other fun activities. And of course, there\u2019s plenty of water splashing for three days.
For more information, visit: www.facebook.com\/Songkransiam<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2022 Songkran in the Northern Region<\/h3>\n

Chiang Mai Songkran Festival 2017<\/strong>
Date: 12-17 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Chiang Mai old city<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"
The best-known Songkran celebrations in the whole of Thailand take place in the northern city of Chiang Mai<\/a>. Here you\u2019ll find a wonderful balance of water-based fun and sacred ceremonies that show the religious importance of this festival to the Lanna people. In Chiang Mai, Songkran is often called Prapeni Pi Mai Mueang and lasts five days. Highlights include the procession of Chiang Mai\u2019s prominent Phra Buddha Sihing image as well as bathing the image, and taking part in a parade bringing sand and Sali (the Bodhi tree) clutches to temples, cultural events and performances. There is also a lot of tasty northern cuisine to enjoy.
For more information, contact TAT Chiang Mai Office: Tel. +66 (0) 5324 8604-5; email: tatchmai@tat.or.th<\/em><\/p>\n

Salung Luang Songkran Festival in Lampang<\/strong>
Date: 9 \u2013 13 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Khelang Nakorn Park, Tha Kraw Noi Rd, Lampang<\/strong>
Experience the Lanna tradition of Songkran in Lampang. Enjoy a huge parade called the Salung Luang procession as well as the Miss Songkran Contest, floral horse-drawn carriages competitions, cultural shows and a many local performances. Many people take the chance to buy local goods and try unique Northern foods.
For more information contact TAT Lampang Office: Tel. +66 (0) 5324 8604-5<\/em><\/p>\n

Thai Puan\u2019s Elephant Ordination Tradition at Baan Had Siew<\/strong>
Date: 7 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Wat Had Siew, Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai<\/a><\/strong>
The \u201cThe Elephant Procession Ordination\u201d is an ancient ceremony which makes the ordainment of monks from the Thai Puan tribe in Ban Had Siew, Sukhothai. It\u2019s a tradition that all local men have to become monks for at least 7 days and every year, the ordinations take place on 7 and 8 of April. The men prepare in the traditional way, and are taken to the temples on elephants while wearing local headgear. This ritual is based upon the tale of \u201cPhra Vessandara Chadok\u201d one of the Lord Buddha\u2019s former incarnations. It is a colourful parade and all the people of the town come to see. Most of the men leave the temples on Songkran day on 15 April to enjoy New Year with their families.
For more information contact TAT Sukhothai Office: Tel. +66 (0) 5561 6228-9<\/em><\/p>\n

Song Nam \u2013 Oi Tan Ceremony, Songkran Si Satchanalai<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: <\/strong>8-12 April, 2017<\/p>\n

Venue: <\/strong>The Monument of Phra Mahathammaracha I (Lithai), Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai<\/p>\n

Another northern Songkran tradition is the Song Nam \u2013 Oi Tan ceremony, which takes place at Si Satchanalai Historical Park in Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai. The highlight of the celebrations is a procession to pay respects to Phra Maha Thammaracha I, who was a king of Sukhothai from 1347 to 1368. Oi Tan, is a phrase that means the make a donation and relates to the good morals of the people of Sukhothai. So each year there is a Lady Oi Tan beauty competition and a Chang Pho Mueang Parade with mighty elephants wearing finery. There will also be cultural displays from the ten local communities and tasty northern food to enjoy.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact<\/em><\/strong> TAT Sukhothai Office: Tel. +66 (0) 5561 6228-9<\/em><\/p>\n

Songkran and Sawan-khalok Food Festival <\/strong><\/p>\n

Date:<\/strong> 11-15 April, 2017<\/p>\n

Venue:<\/strong> Sawan-khalok district, Sukhothai<\/p>\n

The Sawan-khalok Songran and Food Festival takes place along the Yom River where there will be a floating stage adjacent to Wat Sawang Arom Worawihan where concerts and dancing will take place. The temple is the one of the oldest and most important in the district of Sawan-khalok, Sukhothai. Here visitors can enjoy a truly traditional Songkran with music, processions through the streets and water based fun. The event of course is a huge draw for Thai food lovers who come to enjoy tasty northern dishes and see cooking demonstrations.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact<\/em><\/strong> TAT Sukhothai Office: Tel. +66 (0) 5561 6228-9<\/em><\/p>\n

Retro Songkran Splendours, Sukhothai 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: <\/strong>12-14 April, 2017<\/p>\n

Venue: <\/strong>Sukhothai historical park, Sukhothai<\/p>\n

At Sukhothai Historical Park, visitors can enjoy a range of traditional activities and games to celebrate the Thai New Year. One of the most popular events is the sand pagoda building contest in which families compete to make stunning designs. Here, the Songkran festival celebrates the ancient city\u2019s status as the cradle of Thai civilization; so many visitors embrace the old-style features of the event with traditional costumes and age-old games, parades and merit making. Visitors too are invited to wear traditional Siamese clothes and enjoy the old world feel.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact <\/em><\/strong>TAT Sukhothai Office: Tel. +66 (0) 5561 6228-9<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Flowery Shirt Songkran on Khao Tok Road, Sukhothai<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: <\/strong>12-15, April 2017<\/p>\n

Venue: <\/strong>Sukhothai city and Sukhothai public park, Sukhothai<\/p>\n

Visitors to Thailand during the New Year celebrations can hardly fail to notice how so many celebrants are clad in colourful Hawaiian-style shirts. These have become a firm Songkran tradition and in the weeks prior to April, shops are stacked high with these gaudy items. This year the flowery shirts are being celebrated on Sukhothai\u2019s Khao Tok Road where people are invited to parade in their shirts. There will also be a float procession and the chance to pay respects to the Buddha images, water fun and the usual beauty contests.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact <\/em><\/strong>TAT Sukhothai Office: Tel. +66 (0) 5561 6228-9<\/em><\/p>\n

The Great Songkran, Wat Sri Chum, Sukhothai<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date:<\/strong> 13 \u2013 16 April, 2017<\/p>\n

Venue:<\/strong> Wat Sri Chum, Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai<\/p>\n

Wat Si Chum is probably one of Thailand\u2019s best known temples and its iconic Buddha image draws people from around the world who come to pay their respects and apply gold leaf to the statue. Now the 13th<\/sup> Century temple is attracting people during the Thai New Year who want to make merit. There are a range of Songkran activities taking place in Sukhothai Historical Park over the three days of Songkran and a visit to Wat Sri Chum should be on the list of things to see for anyone who appreciates Thai culture.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact <\/strong>TAT Sukhothai Office: Tel. +66 (0) 5561 6228-9<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hae Nam Kuen Hong Ceremony and Chao Muen Dong Bathing Rite<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date:<\/strong> 17-20 April, 2017<\/p>\n

Venue:<\/strong> The Monument of Chao Muen Dong, Baan Toek sub-district, Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai<\/p>\n

In the Si Satchanalai district of Sukhothai, there will be a special sacred ceremony to pay respect to the Buddha image of Chao Muen Dong at Baan Toek. This is aimed at giving visitors the chance to make merit for the year to come. As well as the ceremony itself, there will be folk plays and a procession of elephants. The mighty beasts will even bow to the famous Muen Dong<\/em> image. The elephants are also given a health check as part of the event and there will be a Muay Thai dance performance in which local boxers also show their respects to the Buddha image via an exquisite series of movements.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact <\/em><\/strong>TAT Sukhothai Office: Tel. +66 (0) 5561 6228-9<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2022 Songkran in the Central Region<\/h3>\n

Ayutthaya: Songkran at the Ancient Capital<\/strong>
Date: 13-15 April 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya<\/a><\/strong>
Thailand\u2019s former capital \u2013 Ayutthaya is another place worth visiting during the Songkran festival. The province is inviting both local and foreign tourists to celebrate Songkran in the most unusual exotic way \u2013 water splashing with the elephants in the very Thai environs of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya Historical Park. Tourists can celebrate Songkran with the elephants along the road in front of the TAT Ayutthaya Office. Several cultural activities will also be held such as pouring water over the sacred Buddha images, sand pagoda building, and the chance to enjoy the traditional Thai dances with the locals.
For more information, contact TAT Ayutthaya Office: Tel. +66 (0) 3524 6076-7<\/em><\/p>\n

Mon Songkran of Ayutthaya<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: <\/strong>14 April, 2017<\/p>\n

Venue: <\/strong>Wat Thong Bo, Bang Pa-in sub-district, Ayutthaya<\/p>\n

The Mon people have their own traditions when it comes to celebrating Songkran and many of these can be seen in the Bang Pa-in district of Ayutthaya where a range of activities take place around the temple of Wat Thong Bo. Visitors will get the chance to donate food to the local monks and watch the ceremony in which the main pagoda of Wat Tong Bo is covered by sacred fabric. One of the more unusual aspects of the Mon ceremony is the bathing of the local Buddha images which is done via long bamboo pipes.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact <\/em><\/strong>TAT Ayutthaya Office: Tel. +66 (0) 3524 6076-7<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Songkran Splendors Supanburi 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date:<\/strong> 13 -14 April, 2017<\/p>\n

Venue<\/strong>: Muang Supanburi District Office, Supanburi<\/p>\n

To appreciate how Songkran is celebrated on Thailand\u2019s central plains, visitors should head to Supanburi which boasts one of the biggest New Year celebrations in the country. Many people come here to cool off with the water splashing but there are also many traditional elements of Songkran to appreciate. You can see the golden Luang Poh Toh image as it\u2019s paraded through the streets of the town and appreciate cultural displays from ten different ethnic groups from the region. There will be a contest to see which of the displays in the parades are best as well as a Miss Songkran pageant. Throughout the festival there will be concerts from well-known Thai artists and folk and cultural shows performed by local students.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact<\/em><\/strong>: TAT Supanburi Office: Tel. +66 (0) 3552 5880, 3552 5867, or 3553 5863-4<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Songkran Phra Pradeang, Samut Prakan<\/strong>
Date: 21-23 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Phra Pradaeng City Hall, Samut Prakan<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Samut
One of the most fascinating ways to celebrate a Songkran near Bangkok is by visiting Phra Pradaeng, where the local people observe Mon ceremonies in a traditional way. And their New Year traditions are very different to those found in the rest of Thailand. For a start, the celebrations here take place a little later, which this falls on 21-23 April.<\/p>\n

This year, there will be a range of cultural activities taking place including a spectacular floral procession, a parade of the local Mon people in their colourful traditional outfits, a Miss Songkran parade and Mister and Miss Songkran Beauty Contest. Visitors will also have the chance to join merit-making activities in the local temples, pay respect to community elders and enjoy folk plays and cultural performances.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact Phra Pradaeng Municipality, Tel. +66 (0) 2463 4841 or TAT Bangkok Office: Tel. +66 (0) 2250 5500<\/em><\/p>\n

Kanchanaburi: Wax Candle Procession Songkran<\/strong>
Date: 13-14 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Wat Nongprue, Nongprue district, Kanchanaburi<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Wax
Kanchanaburi has its own distinctive Songkran traditions, the highlight of which is the spectacular beeswax candle procession and other activities that accord with the Buddhists\u2019 belief of the locals. The celebrations take place around Wat Nongprue in Kanchanaburi. Visitors will be able to take part in merit-making activities at the temple, the gentle pouring of water on local elders to show respect and to enjoy an exhibition that tells the story of the candle procession in Kanchanaburi. There will also be booths selling local products and tasty treats.
For more information, contact TAT Kanchanaburi Office, Tel. +66 (0) 3451 1200<\/em><\/p>\n

Songkran in Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: 13 \u2013 17 April, 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n

Venue: Wang Wiwekaram Temple and Budhagaya stupa, Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi<\/strong><\/p>\n

The most visually striking Songkran ceremony takes place in Sangkhla Buri where the local Mon people\u00a0 make merit by showing respect to the local monks. This is done by creating a human bridge so that monks can walk to the temple without polluting their feet by touching the ground. After ceremonies at the temple have been carried out, local men carry the monks back to their dwellings. Food is also carried to the monks on the local heads. These are some of the many Songkran activities that will be of interest to visitors. The bathing of the local Buddha images is also carried out here in way that differs to most of Thailand as the water is delivered via bamboo pipes that can stretch long distances. Most people stop by the local Bodhgaya stupa to see the sand pagodas being built or to pay respect to the local elders.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact<\/em><\/strong> TAT Kanchanaburi Office, Tel. +66 (0) 3451 1200 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u2022 Songkran in the Northeastern Region<\/h3>\n

Dok Khun, Siang Kaen and Khao Niew Festival<\/strong>
Date: 5 \u2013 15 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Bueng Kaen Nakhon and Sri Chan Road, Mueang, Khon Kaen<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Dok
Khon Kaen will be celebrating Songkran 2017 from 5-15 April. This is one of the biggest and certainly the best known of the Songkran events in the Northeast of Thailand. As usual, this year there will be a lot of activities to enjoy that reflect the rich local culture, including a flower procession and contests to find the best blooms, water rituals to pay respects to images of the Buddha and seniors and a fun water splashing event on the Khao Niew and Sri Chan Road. There will be lots to eat and buy too, with demonstrations of local handmade products and crafts, not to mention spicy local salads and tasty grilled chicken.
For more information, visit: www.facebook.com\/songkrankhonkaen or contact TAT Khon Kaen Office: Tel. +66 (0) 4322 7714-5<\/em><\/p>\n

Mukdahan: Mukdahan and 4 Indochinese Countries Songkran Festival<\/strong>
Date: 13-15 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Mukdahan province<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Mukdahan
Mukdahan province in the Northeastern or Isan Region of Thailand offers visitors and locals a unique way to enjoy the Songkran festivities. New Year celebrations and traditions from four countries in the Greater Sub-Mekong region: Thailand, Lao, Vietnam and China, are being combined in a cross-border party. This year, there will be celebrations centred around the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River while other events will take place in Mueang district, Mukdahan, at Chalerm Phra Kiat Kanchana Phisek Park and Samran Chai Kong Road which will be turned into an Indochina Walking Street.<\/p>\n

The event highlights include spectacular light and sound presentations telling the stories of the ancient civilisations of the region. There will also be cultural performances from the four countries; a ritual to pay homage to holy spirits and folk performances from the eight distinct ethnic groups of Mukdahan. There will also be a dancing fountain with music and water tunnels and foam parties to help cool off the revellers.<\/p>\n

Other activities include a Thai-Indochina food festival, a Mekong fish-eating festival, displays of herbs from the four nations, a Miss Indochina Beauty Contest, an ASEAN languages contest, and displays of drum playing and concerts from leading singers.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact TAT Nakhon Phanom Office: Tel. +66 (0) 4251 3490-1 email: tatphnom@tat.or.th<\/em><\/p>\n

Pleasant Songkran, Thailand-Laos\u2019 New Year, Nakhon Phanom<\/strong>
Date: 13 \u2013 15 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Khao \u2013 Poon Road and Laan Phanom Naga, Muang District, Nakhon Phanom<\/strong>
The Pleasant Songkran Thailand-Laos\u2019 New Year is organised each year in Nakhon Phanom and the activities taking place are based on the traditions of seven tribes who traditionally settled in this area. Many of the traditions mirror those found in the rest of the country including almsgiving for local monks and the building of sand pagodas. But there is also the chance to take part in religious activities that originate in Laos such as the Bai Sri Su Khwan spirit blessing ceremony believed to bestow happiness and prosperity on others.
For more information contact TAT Nakhon Phanom office: Tel. +66 (0) 4322 7714-5<\/p>\n

Grand Songkran Isan Nong Khai<\/strong>
Date: 5 \u2013 18 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Jenjobtid Road, Naga Fountain Square, Prachak Road, and Wat Pho Chai (Royal Temple) in Muang District, Nong Khai<\/strong>
During this festival, visitors get the chance to bathe the revered Luang Por Phra Sai Buddha image as it is paraded along Jenjobtid Toad, to the Naga fountain, to Prachak Road and finally Wat Pho Chai the Royal Temple in the Mueang district. This procession of Luang Por Phra Sai is held only once a year for worshippers Thai and Lao to pay homage to this sacred Buddha image. As well as the parade there are many other traditional Songkran activities taking place many with a distinct Lao theme.
For more information contact TAT Udon Thani Office: Tel. +66 (0) 4232 5406-7<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2022 Songkran in the Southern Region<\/p>\n

Hat Yai Midnight Songkran 2017<\/strong>
Date: 11 \u2013 15 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Hat Yai city centre<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Hat
In Thailand\u2019s south, the Songkran fun takes place in Hat Yai, so head downtown if you want to join in. The main action takes place on the streets of Nipat Uthit 3, Sanehanusorn and Thammanoon Vithi. Here there will be free music and concerts as well as other entertainment throughout the event, every day between 10:00 \u2013 23:00 Hrs.
For more information, contact TAT Hat Yai Office: Tel. +66 (0) 7423 1055; email: tatsgkhl@tat.or.th<\/em><\/p>\n

Songkran \u2018Nang Dan\u2019 Parade, Nakhon Sri Thammarat<\/strong>
Date: 11-15 April, 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Sri Thammasokarat Park and Phra Isuan (Shiva) Tower, Muang District, Nakhon Sri Thammarat<\/strong>
During this unique Songkran celebration, visitors can enjoy the colourful procession of \u2018Nang Dan Mueang Nakhon\u2019 which is a traditional ceremony based on Brahmin beliefs and welcomes the God Shiva God down to the earth. There is also the chance to join the bathing of the highly-revered Phra Buddha Sihing image, join the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual, enjoy local plays and ancient city tours as well as a light and sound presentation and cultural activities. The activities will be held at Suan Sri Thammasokarat and the Abode of the Shiva God in the Mueang district.
For more information contact TAT Nakhon Sri Thammarat Office: Tel. +66 (0) 7534 6516-6<\/em><\/p>\n

Songkran: The Water Festival on the Beach, Phuket<\/strong>
Date: 11-13 April 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Patong Beach, Kathu District, Phuket<\/a><\/strong>
Join the local people and tourist folks at Phuket for \u201cSongkran on the Beach\u201d at Phuket\u2019s famous Patong beach. There will be several merit-making activities such as Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual, the parade of Phra Budha Sihing image, cultural shows, and various competitions and fun-filled entertainments. In Phuket town there are flower parades, dancing and cultural shows, and the ever-popular Miss Songkran Contest.
For more information contact TAT Phuket Office: Tel. +66 (0) 7621 1036, 66 (0) 7621 2213<\/em><\/p>\n

Songkran in Ko Samui, Suratthani <\/strong><\/p>\n

Date<\/strong>: 12-13 April, 2017<\/p>\n

Venue<\/strong>: Chaweng Beach, Samui Island, SuratThani<\/p>\n

Songkran is always fun-filled on the holiday island of Samui but the biggest party takes place on Chaweng beach where the main road becomes the focus of all the water play. There are usually DJs and stages with performers entertaining the crowds and foam parties and water help people to cool off. People on Samui looking for a more traditional Songkran or who want to avoid the noise and parties should head to Nathon or Samui\u2019s peaceful west coast which tends to offer more family-friendly ways to celebrate the New Year.<\/p>\n

For more information contact:<\/em><\/strong> Ko Samui Municipality: Tel. 0 774 21421-2 <\/em><\/p>\n

Songkran No Alcohol, Phuket<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date:<\/strong> 13 April, 2017<\/p>\n

Venue<\/strong>: Limelight Avenue Mall, Muang District, Phuket<\/p>\n

Phuket\u2019s lifestyle mall is hosting a clean, alcohol-free Songkran party to encourage tourists and locals to celebrate the holiday in a responsible and safe manner. The one-day Songkran No Alcohol party offers family-friendly fun in safe zones where there are restrictions on alcohol, high-powered water pistols, powder and water dyes. The event takes place from around 16.00-19.00 Hrs.<\/p>\n

For more information contact<\/em><\/strong> Limelight Avenue Mall: Tel. +66 (0) 7668 2900, or TAT Phuket Office: Tel. +66 (0) 7621 1036, 7621 2213, 7621 7138<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2022 Songkran in the Eastern Region<\/h3>\n

Sand Pagoda Ceremony on Lai Day, Bangsaen District, Chon Buri<\/strong>
Date: 16 \u2013 17 April 2017<\/strong>
Venue: Bangsaen beach, Muang Sub-district, Chon Buri<\/strong>
This charming event celebrates not only Songkran but the gorgeous natural sand of the district. People of the Sansuk district flock to Bangsaen beach to build sand pagodas in a tradition known locally as \u2018Tam Bun Wan Lai\u2019. It sees the local people come and celebrate together with activities such as sea boxing, pagoda competitions. As well as the sand pagodas, other amazing sculptures are made during the festival using the sand on the beach with many teams working all night to create unique pieces of art such as dragons, historical tableaus, elephants and amusing scenes. There is also a competition to choose the best sculpture before the sand is returned to its natural state.
For more information contact TAT Chon Buri Office: Tel. +66 3842 7667, +66 3842 8750, +66 3842 3990<\/em><\/p>\n

For further enquiries, please visit or contact:
TAT Website: Events and Festivals<\/a>;
TAT domestic offices<\/a>;
TAT Call Centre Tel: 1672 or TAT Contact Center website<\/a><\/p>\n

Pattaya City and Chon Buri<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date<\/strong>: 16-17 April, 2017<\/p>\n

Venue<\/strong>: Phra Puttha Sihing Hall in Chon Buri, Sri Chang Island, Bang Phra Beach, Sattahip District, Pattaya Beach \u2013 North, Central, and South, Lan Bodhi (Na Glue) Park and Sri Racha District Park.<\/p>\n

Songkran is always a big event in the coastal city of Pattaya where people come from around the world to party. Songkran in the Chonburi region is sometimes known as Wan Lai<\/em> and officially takes place on 19 April. But the street parties and water play tend to go on for several days and people come from all over the kingdom to join in. The local temples are all open for people to pay respects to the Buddha images and build sand pagodas, but in Pattaya it tends to be the fun and water splashing side of the event that comes to the fore so expect to get very wet.<\/p>\n

For more information contact<\/em><\/strong> TAT Pattaya Office: Tel. +66 3842 7667, +66 3842 8750, +66 3842 3990<\/em><\/p>\n

(Source : TAT press release)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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