Khao Lak is a beautiful coastal town in Thailand known for its stunning beaches and laidback vibe. But if you happen to visit during April, you will also be able to experience the Songkran Festival, which is the Thai New Year.
What is Songkran?
Songkran is the name given to the traditional Thai New Year and it lasts for three days from the 13th to the 15th of April each year, though celebrations can sometimes last for a week. This period is marked by temple visits and family reunions and is also a time for renewal and washing away any bad fortune from the past; this act of “washing” has evolved from sprinkling water on people to one of the most fun aspects of Songkran which can also be enjoyed by tourists staying at resorts in Khao Lak, namely water fights!
Where It’s Celebrated
Songkran is celebrated throughout the country including Khao Lak where you will find locals gathering throughout the streets or driving around town in open pickup trucks; of course, they also carry buckets or containers with water or have water guns and will soak all passers-by! Highway 4 is one of the hotspots for water fights which offer a novel way to cool off too. The best thing is, if you stay at properties like Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, you can return to enjoy beachside bliss after a day of action-packed water duels.
Other Things to Do
Songkran is also a time for spiritual reflection and gratitude, and you can look to visit temples to see locals making offerings to the monks and participating in traditional ceremonies. You can also witness cultural celebrations and colourful parades some of which may feature traditional dances, music, and costumes. Another highlight would be to savour typical Thai food specialities from grilled seafood to mango sticky rice and don’t forget to wash it all down with a cold Singha beer!
Tips for Visitors
If you are planning to go out during Songkran in Khao Lak (or any other part of Thailand for that matter), be prepared to get wet; with that in mind, wear suitable and comfy attire, keep your valuables in a waterproof / dry bag and have eye protection (like goggles). You can easily buy water guns and join in the water fights too, though remember not to soak monks, pregnant women, the elderly or babies or splash water on motorists who are passing by.