Hello!
I just got back from celebrating Songkran โ Thai New Year โ up in Chiang Mai. And you know what, I think that I just found my new favorite holiday! So Songkran is a festival that happens in mid-April every year, where for three insane days, people run around with water guns and shoot everybody. It is just absolute chaos โ especially for any unlucky soul who happens to be on the road at that time! It became a normal sight to see buckets of freezing, ice-cold water being dumped at passing scooters, motorcycles, songthaews (a modded truck-taxi where passengers ride in the back โ and yes, it is not fully enclosed, which kind of makes it a vehicular trap during Songkran), and of course, pedestrians.
Man, it was the first time I had shot a water gun in years. This festival made me feel like a kid again. Itโs hard to describe, but you canโt help but love running around shooting water and getting drenched. Itโs just pure, mindless fun! I love that the Thai people celebrate the New Year like this every year โ maybe thatโs why they are such kind and friendly people. Thatโs my theory โ that the reason Thailand is called the โLand of Smilesโ has something to do with Songkran.
I am glad that I stayed in Thailand for the entire year, if only so that I could experience Songkran! It is an experience that I will never forget. So pro-tip โ if you ever plan on visiting Thailand, try to come during April so you can enjoy the best holiday in the entire world. And be sure to go up to Chiang Mai (between Songkran and Loi Krathong, I think that Chiang Mai is the best city in the world for amazing festivals!).
Until next time,
Jae