Are you ready for the world’s largest water-fight?
It’s that time of the year again, where the streets of Thailand come to life and are transformed into a huge water playground. Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, falls on 13 April, and locals and travelers alike will hit the streets for a joyous celebration all week. In line with the new year, water is used to ‘purify’ and cleanse one of bad luck – so get your water-guns ready for both a fresh start, and a splashing good time! At the same time, there’s more to Songkran than just a wild water-fight. Here are 7 alternative ways for you to enjoy the celebration.
1. Party away at the S20 Songkran Music Festival
Image credits: S20 Festival
The streets of Bangkok are not the only place to have a wild time this Songkran – for those seeking some beats to accompany the water-throwing extravaganza, the S20 Songkran Music Festival is right up your alley! Rave to the tunes of the world’s best DJs (Fatboy Slim, Tiësto, Steve Aoki and more) as you ring in the new year. Dance to your heart’s content; you’d still be kept fresh and cool with the steady stream of water jets and cooling mist.
More Information:
The S20 Songkran Music Festival will take place from 13 to 15 April 2019 at Live Park, Bangkok. Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to get your hands on them while you still can!
2. Make a splash at the Blast! Pool Series – Songkran Festival 2019
Blast! Pool Series, Songkran Festival – Bangkok
Have the pool party of your dreams with the Blast! Pool Series – Songkran Festival 2019. This three-day event guarantees a whole lot of Songkran fun, as you lounge in the sun, sip on a cocktail, and party along to the live House and Techno music in the background. Take part in the ongoing games, and whip out your complimentary water-fun for some friendly cross-fire!
More Information:
The Blast! Pool Series – Songkran Festival 2019 will take place from 13 to 15 April 2019 at DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok. It begins at 1pm, and special promotions such as free-entry for ladies, and free-flow sangria are available at selected timings.
3. Pick up Thai Kickboxing
Image credits: Pablo Rebolledo
In the spirit of celebrating the Thai New Year, try your hand at an authentic local sport, Muay Thai (Thai Kickboxing). Contrary to popular belief, it is not just senseless fighting; instead, it requires immense focus and physical co-ordination to perfect each move. Seize the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the water-festivities in the street, and book yourself a session to pick up basics of the craft. You might even turn out to be the next Muay Thai legend!
More Information:
In collaboration with Conrad Bangkok, Hilton Honors members can use their points to redeem a 60-minute private Thai Kickboxing Class for two, through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform. This experience will go live in mid-April, and is valid until the end of May.
4. Get inked with a traditional Yant tattoo
This one’s not for the faint-hearted – achieve the ultimate Thai experience by getting inked with a traditional Yant tattoo. More than just pleasing body art, these prints consisting of ancient geometrics and deity symbol are thought to be a way to impart luck, protection and charisma onto the wearer. Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, after all! At the same time, make sure you do your due diligence and head to a professional studio to get your tattoo.
More Information:
In collaboration with Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, Hilton Honors members can use their points to redeem an exclusive 25-minute Sak Yant tattoo experience with Professional Master Ajarn Boo for two, through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform. This experience will go live in mid-April, and is valid until the end of May.
5. Feast on Thailand’s culinary gems
Songkran Lunch Buffet – Café@2 at Conrad Bangkok, Bangkok
No new year celebrations would be complete without indulging in a gastronomic feast! Featuring a spread of traditional Thai dishes, Conrad Bangkok is offering the ‘Songkran Splash’, a themed lunch-buffet for all you foodies out there. Sink your teeth into culinary treasures such as Plahang Tangmo (watermelon drizzled with sweet dried fish shallots), Bua Loy Kai Wan (rice balls with poached eggs), Mieng Pla (salted fish vegetable wraps), and more. With these old-school gems being a rarity on the streets of Thailand today, you definitely have to get a taste of them while you can!
More Information:
The Songkran Splash will be served from 11 to 15 April at Café@2 at Conrad Bangkok. This lunch buffet is priced at THB 1,650++ per person. More information can be found here.
6. Marvel at sandcastles at Chon Buri
Sand Pagodas – Chon Buri, Pattaya.
This may seem like the most unlikely celebration of the lot, but is certainly a big part of the celebrations in Pattaya. The city has an extended celebration for the new year, known as Wan Lai. Besides the conventional water-activities, they also organize a beach festival where locals head down to build stupas, or sand pagodas, in a community-wide competition. Marvel at the grandeur and intricacies of each one, and perhaps even try building one of your own!
7. Eat, Splash and Laugh at a Songkran-themed Fun Fair
Songkran Fun Fair at Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa – Hua Hin
Partake in the joviality of the Songkran festivities all in one place – Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa is organizing a Songkran Fun Fair, where you can spend your day battling in water fights and traditional fun fair games! In between stations, don’t forget to recharge by filling your tummies with traditional delicacies. The celebration carries on into the night, and end your day on a high with a sumptuous buffet feast and a traditional Thai performance.
More Information:
The Songkran Fun Fair will take place at Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa from 12 to 14 April 2019, 12pm – 4pm, while the special Songkran Buffet Dinner and Cultural Performance will take place only on 13 April 2019, from 6:30pm-10:00pm. To reserve yourself a spot, call +66 32 538 999 or email fb.huahin@hilton.com.
Loyal guests who are members of the award-winning Hilton Honors program can now use their points to gain access to exclusive experiences through Hilton Honors Experiences. From private concerts with favorite celebrities to immersive local experiences, such as a day as a Ninja in Osaka or a big-game fishing experience in Maldives, the platform caters to travelers’ growing interest in transformative experiences that broaden perspectives and create lasting memories. To learn more, visit experiences.hiltonhonors.com.
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