Samui Songkran

We've created this page to give you an idea of how Samui celebrates the traditional Thai New Year, Songkran. We only managed to cover the areas of Mae Nam and Bo Phut as the roads are so busy right across the island. Next year we'll focus on Chaweng and Lamai

If you are thinking of booking a trip to Samui you might want to consider this time of year. It is really is a unique celebration, and it was a lot of fun to take part in. Kids absolutely love it, and the kid inside ever adult seemed to enjoy it also. Locals, tourists, and expats all joined together in the biggest water fight in the world.

We should mention this is the hottest time of year here, but what better way to cool down?


Water stations are set up along the Samui Ring Road, you can barely move more than 100 metres before a new team are ready to douse you with water.

 

We do not recommend taking a motorbike out on the road. If you do take it slow, wear a helmet and wearing white is probably not the best idea either. 

 

The smearing of talc powdered water is not something that is derived from the traditional Buddhist celebration or blessing, we think it is an adaption or has a remote connection to the Indian Holi festival. Either way it is nice feeling when a complete stranger with a big smile gives you a face smearing.

 

Young families out having fun. Believe it or not the umbrella is for shade, Thais generally don't enjoy being out in direct sunlight. 

 

As you can see everyone is soaked, but ready for more with barrels at the ready.

 

You have to be careful when driving or riding, take it slow. People will come out in to the middle of the road, stop your vehicle and make sure you get their splash blessing. 

 

Tourist water station, party zone. These guys were well organised, with lots of water and some banging tunes playing.

 

This man came to party! Great attitude and if you are coming here at this time of year, this is a good way to be. 

 

It gets wilder as the day goes on, we suspect the fact most people have had a few drinks by this stage may have something to do with it. 

 

A group of tourists hiring out a tour operator vehicle for the day, smart move. Here they are taking on the Lazy Coconut station in Mae Nam.

 

Notice these guys are all carrying talc? Another little tip, wear sunglasses at all times. Talc in the eyes isn't much fun, but it soon washes out with a fresh drenching of water.

 

These little guys were bored waiting for new passing victims.

 

We suspect this gentleman's face suggests that water is ice cold. Some water stations stock up on kilos of ice, expect an ice cold blessing at some stage.

 

People jump in and out vehicles along the way, catching up with friends to share the celebration. 


From a Buddhist perspect, Songkran means it’s time to clean everything, the house, the soul, Buddha amulets, cleansed and ready to start the year afresh. This includes sprinkling water on Buddha images at home and at temples, younger people on older people as a sign of respect and request for blessings.  Please remember this if you are around temples or older local people and understand that is not the place or people to be throwing water over. 

Other than than get out there, get wet and join the fun! We hope you make it for 2013, same time, same place!

P.S. It's only some pictures we took that day, if you're interested to see more, go to our Facebook Page and find the full album called Songkran 2012 in Koh Samui. Enjoy!