Songkran is Thailand’s most exciting and vibrant festival, marking the start of the Thai New Year. It’s all about water, fun, and celebrating life with friends and family. This year, I had the chance to experience it firsthand in Pakchong for three full days—and let me tell you, it was unforgettable!
Songkran starts slowly around 3:00 PM in Pakchong town, with traffic beginning to build up on the main road. However, local kids are already playing with water since the early morning.
The festival typically winds down around 10:00 PM when the police show up and start patrolling the town. As their presence becomes more visible, traffic begins to move again, signaling the end of the day’s celebrations.
Day 1: We came to Pakchong in the evening, ready to have fun. My sister’s friend gave us water guns, and we rode motorcycles to the main road. Many people were there, splashing water, laughing, and dancing under the cloudy sky. The cold water felt very icy, and I shook when someone aimed a wet shot at me. I put on a raincoat to stay dry before joining the fun.
Day 2: In the morning, around 11:00 AM, I tried to take my father to a nearby massage shop for rest. But things didn’t go as planned. As we rode our motorcycles through the streets, people in the Songkran spirit splashed water at us from every direction. When we got to the shop, both of us were very wet! The staff laughed and helped us inside. After the massage, we went to a meeting place where family members were waiting—wet, happy, and ready for more fun. They gave us cold beer and used water guns to playfully shoot at everyone nearby.
Day 3: The best part of the trip happened when my Thai family came back from a party in Bangkok. Smiling and full of energy, they asked me to join them for some serious Songkran fun. I said yes! With friends by our side and water guns in hand, we went toward the main road. When we arrived, people were dancing on cars, and the streets were filled with laughter and excitement. It was wild, crazy, and so much fun. I couldn’t believe how big a cultural event Songkran is in Thailand—it truly brings everyone together to celebrate life, community, and happiness.
The best part? We gave as good as we got—and everyone laughed together! By the end of the day, I felt so lucky to have shared this experience with such a fun group of people.
Tips for First-Time Visitors:
- Bring a Change of Clothes: You’ll get wet, no doubt about it!
- Wear Water-Resistant Shoes: Flip-flops are perfect.
- Join in the Fun: Songkran is all about being playful—don’t hold back!
- Respect Local Customs: While it’s fun to splash water, be mindful of elderly people or those who might not want to get wet.
If you ever get the chance to celebrate Songkran in Pakchong, don’t miss it! It’s a festival that reminds us to let loose, have fun, and enjoy life. Who knows? Maybe next year I’ll see you on the truck, ready to splash some water and spread joy!
| festival | 祭り | Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival. |
| vibrant | 活気ある | The streets were vibrant with music and dancing. |
| celebrate | 祝う | We celebrate the Thai New Year with water. |
| atmosphere | 雰囲気 | The atmosphere was full of joy and excitement. |
| crowd | 群衆 | I walked through the crowd with a big smile. |
| splash | 水をかける | People were splashing water everywhere. |
| connected | つながった | I felt connected to the spirit of Songkran. |
| fortune | 幸運 | Songkran is also about bringing good fortune. |
| community | コミュニティ | It’s a time to celebrate with the whole community. |
| truck | トラック | We joined the fun from the back of a truck. |
| joyful | 楽しい、喜ばしい | The festival was a joyful experience. |
| change of clothes | 着替え | Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes! |
| water-resistant | 防水の | Water-resistant shoes are best for Songkran. |
| playful | 遊び心のある | Songkran is a playful festival for all ages. |
| customs | 習慣、マナー | Always respect the local customs. |
