April 12, 2007

Asia | Thailand | Bangkok

Playing Our Songkran

By Newley Purnell

You don't want to wear evening attire to this New Year celebration.

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Tomorrow, Thailand’s New Year festival of Songkran begins. Rooted in traditional Buddhist origins, the celebrations have become “more like St. Patrick’s Day with water guns,” involving spirited soaking and copious imbibing. (The partying has become so intense that authorities are now cracking down on the use of high-pressure water guns.) But where best to take refuge from the mayhem of Khao San Road, the notorious backpacker ghetto where, at the end of the night, there’s not a dry dreadlock in sight?

While many Bangkokians are bent on escaping the concrete jungle, there are still a handful of tempting happenings in the capital. In addition to some more “civilian” dousing, the “urban beach” gathering at the upscale CentralWorld shopping complex promises sand, food and live music. But for a more culturally infused affair, check out the festivities at the Suan Lum Night Bazaar (pictured). Visitors will be able to hear classical music performances, see a Thai beauty pageant, and “pour water for prosperity” at a Buddhist temple.