As we head through the cooler month of January, my mind starts thinking about the forthcoming Songkran festival which begins on 12th April, as the weather gets considerably hotter. With the 12th falling on Sunday this year, I dare say the younger children will start water fights on the Saturday, making a trip to the city a wetter experience that it normally would be.
Songkran has always held a special place in my heart since living in Udon Thani, a time when everyone comes together, Thai and visitors, to have three days of water battles throughout the city. In years gone by, I have kept the camera in the bag and out of harms way for most of the time but this year I promise to make a special effort to capture much more of the proceedings, to give you a much broader picture of what it is all about. The trouble is, there is always so much going on and if one of the locals does not realise you are 'snapping away', the camera could be royally screwed up. In fairness, if someone sees you with a camera, they probably will not throw water at you, but some might as it is such a laugh (apparently).
Need to book a hotel for Songkran?
A word of warning - if you are thinking of booking a hotel in Udon Thani around this time, do not delay. I have seen a noticeable rise in hotel bookings since the turn of the year, and I can only guess it is for the festival.
Songkran has always held a special place in my heart since living in Udon Thani, a time when everyone comes together, Thai and visitors, to have three days of water battles throughout the city. In years gone by, I have kept the camera in the bag and out of harms way for most of the time but this year I promise to make a special effort to capture much more of the proceedings, to give you a much broader picture of what it is all about. The trouble is, there is always so much going on and if one of the locals does not realise you are 'snapping away', the camera could be royally screwed up. In fairness, if someone sees you with a camera, they probably will not throw water at you, but some might as it is such a laugh (apparently).
Need to book a hotel for Songkran?
A word of warning - if you are thinking of booking a hotel in Udon Thani around this time, do not delay. I have seen a noticeable rise in hotel bookings since the turn of the year, and I can only guess it is for the festival.
The bulk of the activity takes place between the two filling up stations at Nong Sim Park and Nong Prajak Park. Starting at Nong Sim, pick up trucks, converted buses and other trucks etc packed with people make their way along the southern side of the reservoir, passed the Bookhouse & Coffee Shop, and on to Adunyadet Road. At the bottom end of Adunyadet, they turn right on to Wattananuwong and make their way to Nong Prajak to fill up with water again. At Nong Prajak, head north for a short distance then turn right on to Phon Phisai, which will take you back to Nong Sim. For most of this route, you will be bombarded with water from toy water guns, buckets and hose pipes.
Away from these areas it is generally much quieter, but you are unlikely to be able to walk far without get wet, as a child springs out of nowhere to get you. This festival really does bring out the very best in the local Thai population, and just about every ferang visitor is their friend, and you will get lots of attention from all age groups, and of course many young ladies.
Just writing this has really got me in the mood, and I wish we had this every month.
Route maps for the Udon Thani Songkran festival are available on my Udon Thani Attractions website (opens new window)
Away from these areas it is generally much quieter, but you are unlikely to be able to walk far without get wet, as a child springs out of nowhere to get you. This festival really does bring out the very best in the local Thai population, and just about every ferang visitor is their friend, and you will get lots of attention from all age groups, and of course many young ladies.
Just writing this has really got me in the mood, and I wish we had this every month.
Route maps for the Udon Thani Songkran festival are available on my Udon Thani Attractions website (opens new window)