Songkran Thai New Year 2019

Get ready for Songkran Thai New Year 2019. Thailand celebrates the new year in the month of April. The festivities are from the 12th to the 16th April 2019. In some parts of Thailand, the celebrations continue for a week. Koh Samui is at its busiest time with tourists pouring to the island to celebrate the new year. The New Year is a three-day national holiday in the Thai calendar. The public office buildings, schools, restaurants and bars close for up to a week. Getting around the island is a little difficult with the roads busy public transport is affected.

Songkran Meaning

Originally in Thai culture family and friends would pour a bowl of water over each other as part of the new year ritual. The meaning of pouring water is to wash away the misfortune of the previous year welcoming the new year with a fresh start. As tourism increased so did the celebrations resulting in the massive street parties that are held today.

What to Wear

Ladies – A bikini or swimwear with a lightweight tee-shirt and shorts and flip-flops.
Gentlemen – Lightweight shorts or swimwear, flip-flops and a tee-shirt.
Purchase a rain mac from Family Mart if you prefer to stay a little drier. Fancy dress is popular for Songkran celebrations. Costumes and props are available to purchase all over the island. If you are carrying an ocean bag pop a lightweight change of clothes inside in case you want to go and eat in a dry restaurant or bar.

Advice for Comfort

Denim is not advisable when it becomes wet it is heavy.
Long hair is best tied back it will be wet most of the day.
Your feet will constantly be wet, flip-flops can be dangerous. Wear flat sandals or old trainers.
Do not wear your best clothes, the coloured powder thrown stains your clothes.

What to Bring

Due to the high activity on the island, there is no safe place to store your belongings. Try to carry as little as possible. Leave everything safely locked away in your hotel room. The important things you need are listed below.

Water Pistol – The most important thing you will carry for the day. The bigger the better.
Waterproof purse or bag – Sold everywhere, all sizes to fit mobile phones and iPads
Camera – Use a waterproof housing
Money – Thai Baht
Eye Glasses – Available from stores to protect your eyes from water and powder.

Joining the Water Fight

Taking part in the celebrations is a great memory to take home. The island comes alive to celebrate Songkran New Year. From early morning until late evening the streets of Koh Samui are crowded with revellers ready to join the biggest water fight ever. From the moment you leave your hotel you have joined the water war. There are no exceptions, there are no rules, if you are on the street or beaches you are in a water fight. Arm yourself well before you leave your room. Everybody is in party mood singing dancing and throwing water at anyone they can reach. Be prepared for the ice water and the hose pipes. The local fire service will take you by surprise if they manage to squirt you they use their powerful hoses.

Some hotels take guests on open-backed trucks with a barrel of water and pistols around the island. The traffic is congested, moving slowly so prepare for some amazing water challenges from the people on the street. You have to be quick when filling your water gun.

Not joining a water fight is very difficult to avoid. If you do not want to join the celebrations and get soaking wet our advice is to remain indoors. There is no safe place from the water during the new year celebrations.

Songkran Safety

The roads are a pool of water it is not safe to be on a scooter or motorbike. If you are driving it will not exclude you from the water fight.  If you must get around the island use a car or public transport. However, getting around the island is a slow process during the celebrations. During the fun and games, it is easy to let your guard down and become vulnerable. Limit your alcohol intake enjoy the day and smile. Like in any country, people will take advantage of crowds. Keep your belongings close and your purse around your neck, pickpockets will take advantage.

Accommodation and Transport Songkran

Koh Samui accommodation prices are slightly higher during Songkran. There is accommodation, to suit all budgets and tastes. Book early to avoid disappointment it is a popular time of year and hotels book up quickly. There are late minute deals, discover the new year Samui Deals on offer.  The flights into and out of Samui airport are extremely busy and higher in price. Many locals return to their homeland to celebrate the festivities.

Cultural Songkran

The new year is a time for families to come together and celebrate as one. To welcome Songkran Thai people clean their homes to represent a new start for a year new. The temples are busy with visitors and locals joining the new year rituals.
Day One – The Thai people perform a ritual called Rod Nam Dum the National day of the elderly. As an act of humility, the younger generation pours water in the elder’s palms asking for a blessing.
Day Two – Families visit the temples early morning to offering alms to the monks. For the remainder of the day, the family will be together socialising and celebrating Songkran.

Have you spent Songkran in Koh Samui? Do you have a good or bad story to tell? Share your questions and comments below.