in the restaurants and hotels during the holiday out in the provinces,
staying in Bangkok could be a better option.
Forget about the political chaos and economic downturn for a while.
Instead, recharge your batteries with the many fun and affordable
activities going on during the upcoming Songkran Festival. Activities in six locations across the capital will entertain you and
help you forget the economic troubles and political tension.
Rattanakosin: Among the highlights of Songkran in Bangkok, the
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has picked out nine sacred
locations for those seeking spiritual benefits until Wednesday. At Wat
Pho on Rattanakosin Island, tourists can see demonstrations of Songkran
traditions from four regions, worship at nine sacred places and also
enjoy Thai foods and desserts. All activities are free of charge, but
this is a good time to donate to the temples for luck.
Sanam Luang: Not far from the Rattanakosin area, tourists can attend
events at Lan Kon Muang and Sanam Luang. The wide range of activities
includes a merit-making ceremony for offering food to 226 monks and
novices. There is also Rod Nam Dam Hua, a water-pouring ceremony
showing respect to senior and respected people. Visitors can also
worship and pour water at the Phra Buddha Sihing image.
In addition, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration plans to close
part of Ratchadamnoen Avenue for people to splash water. Folk and pop
music concerts will be held at Sanam Luang along with Thai massage and
Thai food demonstrations from Sunday through Wednesday.
Museums: Bangkok’s many museums offer appealing Songkran options,
especially for families. For example, the National Discovery Museum
Institute on Sanam Chai Road provides fascinating insights into
Thailand’s history and old buildings. During Songkran, it will host
performances related to Thai lifestyles and folk music. The activities
take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Foreigners will be charged 300
baht, Thai adults 50 baht, and children younger than 15 will have free
entry.
Khao San: Khao San Road has been a top Songkran destination for both
local and foreign tourists for years. In addition to the splashing from
tomorrow through Wednesday, there will be performances by Thai movie
stars and traditional activities such as giving food to 1,500 monks.
The Khao San Business Association expects more than 100,000 tourists, 70% of them Thai, to flock to Khao San to enjoy Songkran.
Warning: Thai women dressed inappropriately will be denied entry to
the area. It is also forbidden to mix water with powder and throw paste
on other participants in the festival.
Silom Road: Like Khao San Road, Silom Road is also likely to be
thronged with Thai and foreign revellers, particularly at night. Expect
plenty of drinking as well as water-throwing. Hip-hop and rock music
will be playing in the area’s many pubs and street food like noodles
and rice with omelette will be on sale in the sideroads.
CentralWorld: For teenagers, the festival’s new landmark is
CentralWorld. This year CentralWorld will organise 10 concerts, up from
five last year, to attract teenagers and boost its image as the
essential destination at Songkran. Its Splashy Songkran Fest will be
held from tomorrow to Tuesday in the 4,000- square-metre open space in
front of the complex. There will be fountains and a 40-metre water
tunnel. CentralWorld expects around 200,000 tourists to join its
activities.
