Hands down the most exciting holiday I have ever experienced in general is Songkran, the Thai New Year. The entire country turns into a full blown water fight where everyone takes to the streets and dumps water on each other to celebrate the new year. People line the streets with large buckets filled to the brim with water and people walk around with water guns or anything they can get their hands on to soak someone. The three days it’s happening, if you walk outside, you will get wet. Not even just a sprinkle, but DRENCHED. If people see you trying to avoid getting wet they will purposely make you a priority in getting wet. If this doesn’t sound fun for you, stay inside.
I was in Chiang Mai for Songkran where it is known for being the craziest location in all of Thailand. Locals from other parts of the country flock to Chiang Mai to take part in the madness. I remember day one when I first got water dumped on me that I fully understood that there was no mercy when walking around. It was some of the most fun I’ve had while being in Thailand. Music was blasting every where, people were smiling and were just beyond happy. Everyone had the opportunity to goof around and play like kids. It was incredible to see the excitement of a holiday in a different country. The Thai people were so much fun and loved sharing the holiday with all the backpackers and tourists that were there. It was like a huge block party where everyone was dancing in the streets and soaking wet. Even tuk tuk drivers or people on motorbikes were not spared and were drenched in water.
If I could recommend a time to visit Thailand it would be for this specific holiday. There is nothing else in the world like it. How many times is it socially acceptable to walk around with a water gun and soak each other with water? I’ve never experienced a place with more energy and excitement than Chiang Mai for Songkran.
