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Songkran is around the corner. It’s time to either escape the heat, escape
the crowds, or go one step further – escape the country
 One
of the great qualities of Songkran is that, unless you are stuck in an
office, it is almost impossible not to change your routine during these few
days. Parents beckon, activities are taking place everywhere, parties are
outrageous, and everyone seems to be in a good mood. But what you do will
depend on your preference. Some prefer a quiet time and others full
immersion in the holiday. Here are three, full-proof itineraries:
Bangkok
Yes, we said escape. If you want to escape Bangkok, stay in Bangkok. The
city suddenly turns into a wonderful, quiet place since everyone leaves the
city. You can drive from Lat Phrao to Sukhumvit during rush hour with your
window open, (get some fresh(er) air) and it may take less than 15 minutes.
It is the chance to do more than one thing or visit more than one place in a
day without feeling exhausted.
No matter where you live, you can start the day jogging in Suan Luang
Rama IX Park near Bang Na Road, then drive to Sukhumvit for a nice brunch,
then go shopping and watch a movie in Siam Square. At night, join the water
hijinks on Khao San Road. You may skip mainstream Siam Square as there are
other interesting activities in and around Bangkok.
You can visit beautiful temples or join several Songkran festivals around
the city. For information, visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand
(www.songkran.net/th/hilight_1.php) for different celebrations in Bangkok
and environs.
Another recommended activity is a little strange: drive around the city
until you get tired, even though you have no destination in mind. It is a
unique experience to feel, for once, you own the road. Other suggested
activities: Siam Ocean World, Dream World water park, and for water fights:
Khao San, Silom or RCA.
Beaches
One popular way to escape the heat is to go to the beach. But if you plan
to do this, first things first – book now. If you don’t have too many days,
try Ko Samet,
but don’t show up without a room reserved in advance. Islands a short trip
from Bangkok, such as
Ko
Samet and
Ko
Chang will be booked out as everyone is trying to beat the heat.
One slightly off-the-beaten path suggestion is
Pran Buri in
Prachuap Khiri Khan province, about a half an hour drive from
Hua Hin and three hours from
Bangkok. Pran Buri is much quieter than Hua Hin though it has recently
become more popular among Bangkokians. Although Pran Buri beaches are not
that beautiful, nice small boutique resorts are mushrooming there.
For example,
As Dream Resort & Spa Hua Hin overlooking the white sand and clear blue
sea. As Dream Resort offers the best of Thailand's famous hospitality
combined with international standards of service and efficiency. The resort
provides 65 elegant rooms, decorated in unique contemporary Bali
Architectural Style and with individually controlled air conditioning and a
host of modern amenities. There is nothing to do there but enjoy the sea
breeze, nice scenery and cozy resort. If you want a little more luxury, try
the nearby Evason
Hideaway & Six Senses Spa at Hua Hin which offers more facilities such
as a luxurious spa, tennis courts, and a gym.
If you enjoy the crowd,
Phuket might be the place. The TAT is organizing a few Songkran
festivals in the town. There will be a parade on April 13 as well as a
folkdance performance from 7pm to 10:30pm at Wat Cheang Talay in Talang
district. Also, on Songkran Day you could go to Surin Beach where there will
be a few traditional activities.
Beyond the borders
Another choice for Songkran is to leave Thailand and explore a
neighboring country. Since Songkran is also the traditional new year in many
other countries such as
Myanmar, Cambodia,
Laos and some parts of
China, it is worth
checking out the atmosphere abroad.
Luang Prabang is a good place to go for its beautiful, tranquil
atmosphere. You will also get wet in line with the spirit of the holiday.
However, it won’t be as bad as here. Locals flock to temples, offering food
to monks, covering Buddha images with flower petals and bathing images with
flower-scented water. Luang Prabang’s Wat Xiang Thong will have the largest
number of worshippers.
In Myanmar, Songkran is a time of vacations and enthusiastic
celebrations. Some parts of
Yangon
are given over to exuberant water-throwing. However, many Burmese celebrate
the traditional new year quietly. Family and friends gather for a day-long
meal while splashing water on each other.
Crowds throng the temples and monasteries. Parents send their boys for a
brief ordination while the girls have their ear-piercing ceremony. Some
people go on meditation retreats during the long holiday. Many monasteries
will be full and you will have to book in advance if you want to go on a
retreat.
Another good place to go for Songkran is China’s Xishuangbanna in
Yunnan province which in many aspects is China’s mini-Thailand due to
cultural similarities. Xishuangbanna also has a water festival which falls
on the same dates from April 13 to 15. There are many old Thai-style temples
and countless beautiful pagodas there.
TRAVEL INFO
• Myanmar: Thai Airways and Myanmar Airways have daily flights to Yangon.
Airfares cost about 8,000-10,000 baht including tax.
• Luang Prabang: Bangkok Airways has daily flights to Luang Prabang. A
round trip costs 11,640 baht.
• Xishuangbanna: Bangkok Airways flies to Xishuangbanna every Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. A round trip costs 11,830 baht.
• Samet: It’s a two-hour drive from Bangkok to
Rayong. There
are boats to take you the rest of the way.
• Pran Buri: Driving is recommended.
• Phuket: Six airlines including Thai Airways, Phuket Air, Bangkok
Airways, Air Asia, Nok Air and One-To-Go have daily flights to Phuket.
Air-conditioned buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal several times daily.
The bus trip takes about 13 hours. Call 02-434-7192, 02-435-1199 or visit
www.transport.co.th for more information. You can take a train to Surat
Thani and then a local bus to Phuket.
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