Song Kran is the traditional Thai New Year. Although Thailand now takes the official new year to be January 1st (since 1940), Song Kran reamains the most important festival in the Thai Calendar. It is a time when people traditionally come togeather as families. Those from rural areas, working in the cities, return home on mass. Thus, at this time of year Bangkok can seem like a deserted city.

Nowadays, Son Kran is perhaps best known as "The water festival". Although the name may give you some clue, it is fair to say that if you have never been in Thailand during Song Kran, nothing can really prepare you for the sheer scale of the event. Traditionally, young people poured scented water over the hands of their parents and elders to show respect - now, however, this pouring of water has escalated into what can only be described as a nation-wide water fight! Some people stand out side their houses with buckets of water and dowse passers-by. Others load up pickup trucks with vats of water and an arsenal of water cannons and drive around the streets whilst their passengers in the back soak pedestrians. Others just take to the street on foot armed with high pressure water guns. Whatever method is used, the aim is the same - to soak everyone else.

Be warned, it is impossible to stay dry during this period! This actually tends to be a welcome relief though, as this is the hottest time of the year. It is advisable to keep you money, camera or anything else you would not want to get wet, in a sealed plastic bag.

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