Celebrate Songkran in Bangkok - AsiaRooms.com

AsiaRooms.com highlights people using accommodation in Sukhumvit or other areas of Bangkok are likely to find themselves suddenly drenched with water by passers-by when exploring the city in April.

However, such an attack should not be construed as malicious, as the tradition of water throwing is one of the hallmarks of Songkran, Thailand's new year celebration.

Popular tourist areas of Bangkok such as Khao San Road can descend into an all-out water fight during the festival, with people using water pistols, hoses and buckets to give each other a good-natured soaking.

Taking place from April 13th to 15th, Songkran occurs during the hottest period of the year in Thailand, so visitors using accommodation in Bangkok are often thankful for an opportunity to cool down.

As well as the water throwing, Thai people traditionally cleanse household Buddha images and those at temples and monasteries during the festival.

In Bangkok's public park Sanam Luang, the Phra Buddha Sihing image is traditionally put on display and bathed.

The festival is also a time for Thai people to pray and spend time with their families, while some make new year resolutions.

In keeping with the theme of cleansing and renewal, many people give their houses a thorough spring clean during Songkran.