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Dates: Sunday, April 13 - Tuesday, April 15 |
Celebrating Songkran: Where to go
An initiative of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), '2008 Songkran Splendours' is a website that contains all the highlights of Thai New Year celebrations all over the Kingdom (have a look at it here). Whether you're looking for a traditional take on Songkran or the fun part of getting soaked, events and happenings in all major areas are covered with something for everyone. Here's a list of official Songkran venues and happenings in Bangkok:
Traditional Songkran Celebration
The official opening ceremony is on April 12 at 18:00 (until 21:00) at Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). During Songkran, at the southern section of Sanam Luang near Wat Phra Kaeo, bathing of Buddha images from the four regions will take place, there will be local food and dessert making demonstrations, as well as cultural shows from various regions.
Make merit at nine royal temples around Rattanakosin Island between 09:00 and 18:00 hrs: Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo), Wat Chetaphon (Wat Pho), Wat Suthat, Wat Saket, Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Chanasongkram , Wat Rakung, Wat Arun, and Wat Kalayanamitr. At each temple there will be an information desk where participants can collect a special stamp for a 'passport' that will be issued, as well as coupon for a lucky draw.
Time-honoured Buddhist customs and ancient merit-making traditions can be experienced at these temples, such as the bathing ritual in which lustral water is sprinkled over Buddha images, and the building of sand stupas that are decorated with colourful flags and flowers.
Other official events in Bangkok
Fun-filled splashing in traditional Thai dress at Khao San Road with various forms of Songkran fun, April 12-15 from 07:00 - 18:00. Don't miss the Songkran procession on April 13 between 08:30 and 10:30. You can also head towards Santi Chaiprakarn Park, Phra Arthit Road and Wisut Kasat, Banglamphu area, April 12-13, for all kinds of traditional and wet fun.
For more information, visit either www.songkran.net, or call the TAT Call Center on 1672.
What: Splashy Songkran Fest
When: April 7 - 16, 2008
Where: CentralWorld
Contact: +66(0)2 635 1111
Joining in the celebration of a Thai New Year with the rest of the country, CentralWorld is throwing a three-day wet and wild extravaganza 'Splashy Songkran Fest'. Dubbed 'the hottest water battle in Bangkok', the event will kick off with an auspicious merit-making ceremony where visitors can sprinkle water on Buddha images for wealth and prosperity (April 7-16). Then get ready for the 'Wet Party' and Free Concert featuring local celebrities and bands at the CentralWorld Square, the shopping mall's front area which will be transformed into a water battle ground complete with 'Battle Zone' and the 40-metre long water tunnel.
Songkran Clubbing
Though we're still waiting for official announcements from most venues, you can bet your gold-plated waterpistol that all Bangkok's clubs will put on cool water themed events over the Thai New Year. Clubs to keep your eyes on are Bed Supperclub, Twisted Republic, 808, Club Culture, The Club and Santika. Alternatively just head for one of Bangkok's kicking nightlife areas: slick strip Royal City Avenue (RCA), gay friendly Silom Soi 4 or traveller barrio Khao San Road. Expect the party to spill out on to the street at each (see our Clubbing Guide).
What: Gatecrasher Wet feat. John OO Fleming & Adam Sheridan
When: Sunday, April 13
Where: Club Culture, Sri Ayutthaya
Contact: +66 (0)89 497 08422
John OO Fleming has been at the forefront of dance music for almost 20 years. Adam Sheridan, only 23, was recently voted one of the world's Top 100 DJs by DJ Magazine. For this Songkran themed event, expect energising trance and deep dirty house. Tickets are 400 baht before 23:00, 500 baht after 23:00 (including one drink).
What: gCircuit SKII Songkran II
When: April 12 -14, 2008
Where: Venues Vary
Contact: enquiries@gcircuit.com
In conjunction with what's probably the most joyous celebration in Thailand, Bangkok is once again playing host to gCicuit Songkran Party - Asia's biggest congregation of gay men who can't resist wild parties and plenty of eye candy. Divided into three different colour themes - Red, White and Blue - each event will be held in different venues and will feature veteran DJs who previously brought the house down in many of the gay events around the world. Tickets are priced between 800 and 1,600 baht. Three-day gPass costs 2,700 baht. For more details, have a look here.
What: Sean Kingston 'Beautiful Girls' Party
When: Monday, April 14
Where: Santika, 235/11 Sukhumvit 63, Ekkamai
Contact: +66 (0)2 262 3456
One of the rising stars of chart-topping hip-hop will make his Thailand debut at this one-off event over Songkran. Thai hip-hoppers Buddha Bless and the Bangkok Invaders DJ team will support. Expect a water-sloshing sing-a-long during his set, especially his biggest hit, the ubiquitous 'Beautiful Girl'. Tickets cost 900 baht from Thaiticketmajor.com or 1,200 baht on the door. |
