travel.Songkran in Phuket
Tourists, expats and Thais alike arm themselves to the teeth with water guns, powder and buckets and let loose for three days of heavy dousing (and, it must be said, some heavy drinking too). Water battles take place along all the main roads throughout the island, and pick-up trucks turn into roving water-war vehicles overloaded with people who splash everyone they pass by as they cruise the soggy streets. Patong is host to the most frenzied Songkran celebrations, while Phuket City comes in at a close second. In addition to days of street parties, there are a number of traditional activities to join as well. At the time of writing the full schedule of events had not yet been finalised, but probable activities include a merit-making ceremony at Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket City on the morning of April 13 and festivities at Saphan Hin Park on each day of Songkran from 9am to 6pm. More sacred aspects of the festival that can be seen around the island include processions of Buddha images and ceremonies to pay homage to elders with scented lustral water.
For more event information Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office +66 76 212213. www.tat.or.th/phuket.
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Forget about getting anywhere on these days without getting soaked, especially if you’re on a motorbike. And no one’s immune to a drenching, not even officials on duty. There really is no way of avoiding a soaking, unless you stay in your hotel. Our advice is, ‘If you can’t beat them, join them.’ But don’t forget to put wallets, mobile 'phones, cigarettes, lighters etc in a watertight plastic bag.
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