Songkran in Phra Padaeng may interest Bangkok visitors - AsiaRooms.com

AsiaRooms.com can announce that Songkran celebrations take place throughout Thailand in April, but one of the nation's most famous versions of the festival takes place in Phra Pradaeng.

This celebration is slightly different to Songkran in other areas of the country, as it traditionally occurs slightly later in the month.

Phra Pradaeng is a district of Samut Prakan Province, situated about an hour's journey away from hotels in Bangkok.

As in the other major cities of Thailand, water fights are a common way to celebrate Songkran, but many other longstanding traditions play a part in the festival here.

Phra Padaeng is historically associated with the Mon people, who are also known as the Raman and were among some of the country's earliest settlers.

One of the main features of the district's Songkran celebration is the Thai-Raman flag ceremony, in which each village makes its own centipede flag to take part in a grand procession.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this parade is the highlight of the festival, with elaborate floats carrying women dressed in traditional Raman costume through the streets.

People using hotels in Siam Square or other areas of Bankgkok who are interested in the nation's ancient customs are advised to visit Phra Pradaeng at this time of year.