Celebrating Songkran in Chiang Mai
Posted on 20. Apr, 2011 by arth101 in Daily events
What a pleasant experience of Songkran. I was very privileged to have celebrated this special Thai event at the heart of Chiang Mai, within the golden triangle. Happy Thai new year to all – or in Thai language; Sawadee pee mai.
It all started with a 11 hour car journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. As fun as it can be, we finally arrived at the Star Hotel (1400 Baht for 1 night stay) where we gladly put down our travel bags, and laid to rest.
During my 3 day stay up in Chiang Mai, I had the chance to visit the temples where thousands of local Thai’s pray in celebration of the Thai New year. Photo above was taken at the temple.
Photos do not do this picture justice. It’s a simple understanding really – you just have to be there to understand what you are seeing. I had the chance to get amongst the locals who prayed to Buddha during this Thai new year.
We even got to venture the hills and nearby mountains for some picturesque photo-shoots.
In Chiangmai - picturesque view of the waterfall
Overlooking the temples of Chiang Mai
A postcard shot
The next couple of days was spent playing water on the streets of Chiang Mai. Locals, from young to old can be seen bucketing water on each other, as a notion of peace and remembrance of the New Year. I honestly couldn’t imagine the last time I was involved in a water fight – I think I was only 8 at the time.
There was no where near to be safe and dry other than by staying at home/hotel (but that was quick boring), so with this in mind, I put all my valuables in a water proof bag and went out to spray some water.
Holding a water gun during Songkran, Thailand
Water fight! Water fight!
This is why I decide to become a traveller. I couldn’t get this inner feeling of happiness if I had remained at home. I like to experience culture, and Songkran definitely has it all, from praying to … water fight. Living a nomadic lifestyle has taught me to forget about the western world we live in today, but focus on what is most important to us as a human being. And that is happiness.
