Posted on Friday, 11 April 2014

Nothing can quite prepare you for the Songkran festival in Thailand. It's completely ‘ting-tong', or crazy. After a few hours of being soaked with buckets of water, having wet clay rubbed in your face by complete strangers and being squirted with Super Soakers when you least expect it, you're kind of glad it only lasts one day.

Only it doesn't last one day at all – someone informs you – it lasts three days. It's the ultimate water fight marathon and everyone's invited. In fact, you're invited whether you like it or not.

I myself have experienced this aqua-lunacy on two occasions – both of them in Khao San Road, Bangkok, the epicentre of Thailand's backpacker scene. It's unrelenting and a lot of fun.

Songkran Festival (poparaks/Bigstock.com)

While the Thais are not unfamiliar with a little drink, Songkran seems to give the green light to 24 hour tipsiness. This, combined with the fact that assaulting complete strangers with water is entirely acceptable, means you tend to make friends very easily.

Put another way: a lot of marriages must have originated from Songrran merriment.

Of course, there is a serious side to Songkran. But whatever that serious side is, you won't find out about it. You'll be too busy trying to pour a bucket of water over that trigger-happy Thai. You'll be too busy running away from that (suspiciously tall and strong) lady who you accidentally squirted in the eye. You'll be too busy wondering why every country in the world doesn't have a festival this fantastic.

If you're in or near Thailand, or are heading there over the next few days, here are a few tips to stay safe:

* While there is no specific threat, it's conceivable that Bangkok is not as safe as previous years due to recent political unrest. Bear this in mind, and be aware that Bangkokians may not be in a great mood this time round.

* Consider a more relaxed location for Songkran: the second city Chiang Mai is very popular, as are resort towns such as Phuket and Pattaya – although these latter two are not terribly relaxed!

* Buy a pair of sunglasses or even goggles: who knows where they get that water from? And wet clay in the eye is not fun either.

* Buy a plastic wallet to keep your money and phone in. Better still, leave you phone in your hotel/guesthouse, as water may still get in.

* Remember, Thais take the festival fun very seriously – but don't get angry if you're soaked by an over-zealous local. Everyone's a target!

Songkran Festival (poparaks/Bigstock.com)

* If you don't wish to participate in the watery shenanigans whilst in Thailand, head off somewhere quiet, away from the big cities. That said, you'll be hard pushed not to get soaked by someone, wherever you go!

* Try not to drink too much, as we all know the effects of daytime drinking. Pickpockets and even drink spiking, while not common, can occur in busy urban areas, so take care, particularly at night. The best idea is not to drink at all! Plus, you'll be a better shot if you're not sloshed.

* Stay hydrated: Despite all the water flying about, it's still hot and dry, so keep your water levels topped up.

* The action takes place all day, all night: you'll only be safe locked up in your hotel room! And everyone gets involved – from 7-Eleven staff to your hotel night Manager.

* Don't drive a scooter or motorbike during this period; you'll be considered fair game for people with big buckets of water. Each year there are numerous deaths related to such behaviour. You'll be safer on foot.

* Buy a water pistol. Even if you don't think you'll get involved at the start, someone will squirt you and you'll want your watery revenge – pure and simple!

Songkran Festival (smithore/Bigstock.com)

Songkran in Nong Khai

This year, I'll be experiencing Songkran in Nong Khai on the Mekong River, northern Thailand. Come back for the low-down – in a few days!

Songkran lasts from 13-15 April, although in some cities, such as Pattaya, it can go on until the 19^th.

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