The Songkran Festival is the most traditional celebration in Thailand. Chiang Rai is one of a few provinces that still retain folksy traditional customs. Apart from parades, decorated floats and beauty contests, which are guaranteed to impress you, there are also boat races among 4 countries–Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar, waiting for you to see on the Mekong River in Chiang Saen County.
Songkran Festival is the most traditional celebration in Thailand
The nationwide Songkran festival is held from 13th to 18th April each year. In Chiang Rai province it is best celebrated at the village of Chiang Saen. Here visitors can enjoy watching a traditional Songkran procession that includes pouring water over respected Buddha images. There is also a very lively three nations boat racing event and other local entertainment for all to enjoy.
Enjoy the traditional Thai New Year "Songkran Festival" beginning with "Wan Jun Kran Long" on April 13th, the day that marks the end of the old year. Follow up with "Wan Nao" on April the 14th, the day marking the New Year, before staying on for what is traditionally believed to be the best day on April 15th - "Wan Phra Ya Wan".
The widely popular Songkran festival is derived from the Thai word that means "to move" or "change place" as it is the day where the sun shifts its position in the zodiac. More commonly known as Thailand's Water Festival, it is believed that water will wash away a person's negativity and bad luck.
Songkran Festival in Chiang Rai
April 13 2013 – April 15 2013
Nang Songkran procession and competition, offering alms to monks, bathing the Buddha, paying homage to the elderly and native traditinal Songkran Festival.
colorful flower procession, 22-oarsmen row boat competition
Songkran Festival in Amphoe Chiang Saen
April 12 2013 – April 18 2013
Nang Songkran procession and competition, colorful flower procession, 22-oarsmen row boat competition and bathing the Buddha, paying homage to the elderly.
Offering alms to 99 monks, bathing the Buddha
Songkran Festival in Amphoe Mae Sai
April 13 2013 – April 15 2013
Offering alms to 99 monks, bathing the Buddha, Songkran procession, paying homage to the elderly and native and Lan Na music performance.
10-oarsmen row boat competition
Songkran Festival in Amphoe Chiang Khong
April 12 2012 – April 18 2012
Bathing Luang Pho Petch (Holy Buddha of Chiang Khong), 10-oarsmen row boat competition, sport and native amusement.
If you are a tourist at this time of year, be prepared to join-in and take part in the world's biggest water fight!!
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