However, multiplicity of pleasurable festivals and events and ‘larger than life’ celebrations have always tempted merrymakers to plan luxury holidays in Bangkok. One of the most celebrated and happening festival of Bangkok is the Songkran Festival.
Songkran Festival
Songkran Festival is the Thai New Year which is celebrated with much fanfare and traditional rituals. The word ‘Songkran’ literally translates to 'a move or change'. This merriment festival is the celebration of joy and happiness that tempts festival goers from far and wide to plan holidays to Bangkok.
Customs and Traditions
Songkran celebrations surely are grand affair in Bangkok. Vehement religious ceremonies are held with natives partaking in gaieties celebrations. To kick-start a fortune-filled 'pi mai' (New Year), everything from Buddha statues in streets to temples and houses are cleansed. Natives engage in pious activities like listening to sermons and monk bathing rituals. The Songkran traditions and customs also include releasing birds and fishes.
Water Festival
Known as the 'Water Festival', Songkran also marks the end of the dry season. Apart from religious traditions, water warfare forms an integral part of the festival all across the city. Tourists flock to Khao San Road to partake in the traditional water war which is undoubtedly lots of fun. Bangkok's backpacker boulevard Songkran turns to a party mosaic, where everyone indulges in amusing water party. The hallmark for tourists taking Bangkok holidays has long been the tradition of water throwing.
Sanam Luang
There's a lot that happens in Bangkok during Songkran festival, from activities ranging from traditional rituals to over-the-top festivities. Sacred celebrations are held at Sanam Luang. The Buddha images 'Buddhasihing' are brought out from the National Museum and are placed here for three days for people to pay homage to ‘Lord Buddha’. Other Songkran customs in Bangkok include the building of sand houses decorated with multi-coloured flags and flowers.
Fun Activities and Food Fare
The merriment activities include Miss Songkran Beauty contest held in the Wisutkasat area coupled with merit-making, a parade and other fun activities. Delicious cuisines have always been the fortes of Bangkok. Foodies taking luxury holidays to Bangkok during Songkran period get tempted with the lip-smacking seasonal treats available in swanky restaurants and modest food vendors on every street.
