Bands of fine sand piqué of coconut trees, a sea so crystalline that one can see with the naked eye its parade of coloured scales, a luxuriant vegetation brightened up by exotic flowers: the landscape is sometimes unreal in beauty. But Thailand has other surprises in store, whether they are cultural for those interested in temples, festive for those who want to relax, or tasty for all who cannot resist its refined cuisine. A perfect picture for a dream holiday, which is also gratified by the kindness of the Thais... And, as every spring, the country is getting ready to celebrate Pi May (Pi = année ; May = new) or Songkran, THE religious festival, marking the transition to a new year. An unmissable celebration!
For Songkran, go out in light clothing!
It is an opportunity to spray yourself joyfully during the three days of the festivities (one day for the end of the year, another day of transition, plus the first day of the new year). Originally, the Thais, armed with a water pistol, only watered Buddha's statues, but today everyone passes through them, which is very pleasant, because this month is one of the hottest months of the year. "Songkran" is a very important national holiday. There are several days of jubilation in mid-April: religious fervour, musical processions through the city and the opportunity to wash Buddha's statues. In principle, people pour water on each other's shoulders as a sign of prosperity (waiting for the rainy season after the hot weather). In theory, a few drops should be enough. But in practice, from morning to night, everyone sprays themselves with large buckets of whole buckets (sometimes with ice cubes!). It is strongly discouraged to ride a bike or even a motorcycle, to avoid breaking your face! A very drunk celebration therefore... And in every sense of the word, since, during these few days of madness across the country, alcohol also flows freely. Every year, during official speeches, the authorities may threaten to severely punish abuses, but nothing can be done! In any case, be careful: it is better to leave your mobile phone and passport at the hotel even if you will easily find plastic pockets around your neck. Everything becomes calm again at nightfall.
Bangkok, the crazy capital
Bangkok is the capital of Asia's most touristy country, one of the world's leading tourist destinations for more than a decade. Like a faceted ball, it shines with a thousand lights, fascinates, dazzles, dazzles, charms and bewitches all those who approach it. Bangkok has many assets, it is diverse, dynamic. She never sleeps! Because in Bangkok, there is no weekend, everything is always open whatever the day of the week, the night is as nervous as the day, traffic jams are unrelenting, bars and discos are always full. And at the same time, you will always find a temple, there are 400 of them in the city, to take a break, to reflect, to catch your breath for a moment. Bangkok is a real capital, its historical heritage is immense, traditions and culture are strong, everywhere present, there are also many interesting museums. Bangkok will celebrate Songkran from April 11 to 14 and, for water battles, go to Khao San Road, Phra Athit Road, Silom Road or Lumpini Park
About thirty kilometres from the capital, Samut Prakan is also a major venue for festivities between 20 and 22 April. This city, known for its reproductions of the most famous Thai monuments in miniatures, is home to the Mon ethnic community, which organizes colourful parades, beauty contests and countless open-air shows on the occasion of Songkran.
Chiang Mai, the North Rose
700 km from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, known as the North Rose, has become a flourishing city thanks to its diversified craftsmanship. Chiang Mai nowadays occupies a privileged place in world tourism. Despite an inevitable evolution, it retains a human dimension that gives it its charm. The old historic district will allow nostalgics to discover the remains of ancient times. Backpackers can still find refuge in the guesthouses near Moon Muang Street, but over the years, floor prices have become increasingly rare! Once settled in Chiang Mai, it is convenient to visit the surrounding villages and towns, by bus or motorcycle, and visit the minority ethnic groups in the mountains or spend a day with elephants. For the Songkran, it is along the city's walls and moats that it takes place, between April 13 and 15. Pick-up trucks are legion and we get plenty of water from their occupants. Unless you find refuge in the temples, which are particularly well decorated during this festive season. These include Wat Phra Sing, Wat Pantao, Wat Chiang Man and Wat Suan Dok.
Lampang, the historic city
130 kilometres away (or 1 hour by plane from Bangkok), in Lampang, it is on April 13 and 14 that Songkran will be celebrated. The main interest of this historic city, which can be visited in a horse-drawn carriage, is about twenty kilometres away: Wat That Luang is considered to be one of the most interesting temples in the kingdom in terms of Lanna architecture. Lampang is a timeless city with heritage teak houses. In short, an ideal place to immerse yourself in the purest tradition of Songkran. On the other hand, about 30 kilometres from the city, there is the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, a care centre for elephants where training courses can be followed.
Loei, sunsets on the banks of the Mekong River
Loei province is home to some treasures, including the small town of Chiang Khan, a popular stopover for those who love temples, scattered throughout the region. In addition, its teak houses, dating from the early 20th century, give the city a traditional, charming look that is no longer so often found in Thailand. This small village deserves a stopover, both for lovers of walks in the heart of the countryside and for those who enjoy idleness by the water. It is also quite easy to find small guesthouses with a view of the river, just to admire the sunset, from its terrace. In the region, the festival will be in full swing from April 14 to 16.
Finally, long live the beach!
Spoilt by a magnificent coastline, southern Thailand has naturally turned to a seaside tourism that does not falter, quite the contrary; on the contrary, it is spreading year after year towards all the coasts and to the surrounding islands. Some preserved places, buried in lush vegetation, still provide an atmosphere conducive to daydreaming, away from the beaten track. From Bangkok, the country's drop-off point, you can choose between different destinations depending on the time of year. In these latitudes, the monsoon plays a decisive role, causing heavy rains for three to four months. We will therefore distinguish two areas: the Andaman coast (Phuket, Koh Phi Phi Phi) where the favourable season is between October and March, and the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Tao, Koh Phan Gan) which enjoys clear weather from late December to early September.
Smart info
When? When? From December to March, it is the "dry" season. December and January are the coolest months, especially in the North: it is a good time to hike. Temperatures are ideal by the sea, and it hardly rains at all... From June to September, it is also the monsoon season, but it does not reach its peak until August-September. From October to November, this is the most pleasant season. Nature is green. Koh Samui and most of the Gulf of Thailand are in the rain. The weather is generally very nice in Chiang Mai, and in the North and it is also the ideal time to discover the banks of the Mekong River, on the borders of Laos.
To attend Songkran, please visit us between April 11 and 22, 2019.
Getting there. Many international companies allow you to reach Bangkok several times a day. In direct flight, allow a minimum of 11 hours of travel time.
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