National Water Festival 2011- Bangkok's New Year Celebrations
Bangkok manages to maintain a balance between urbanisation and its culture and heritage. While skyscrapers are constantly added to the city's skyline, age old buildings are still looked after and preserved. The city is always buzzing with energy, and to truly enjoy a trip to Bangkok, you have to be prepared to seize the moment before it passes. The metropolis has a calendar full of events, and while they vary in activity and style, they are all characterised by fun, laughter and merriment. People journey from all parts of the world to attend the festival to be a part of the action.
The National Water Festival is the annual celebration of the Thai New Year. Known to locals and seasoned tourists as Songkran, the festivities take place in April. The dates of the New Year used to vary, but in recent years a fixed date was decided upon. All future celebrations will occur between the 13th and 15th of April. The event occurs over the span of 3 days, although in some parts of Thailand they might go on for longer periods.
On this day, the roads are filled with people splashing water on their friends and relatives. While anyone can join in, the water fights are especially popular with children, who come equipped with buckets and water guns. Songkran is conducted differently in various parts of Bangkok, and 2011 was no different. One of the annual traditions is the procession of the image of the sacred Phra Puttha Sihing Buddha, the image is taken to Santichaiprakarn Park, where the bathing ritual is conducted. The ritual bathing of images of the Buddha is a common element of the celebrations, and similar events take place at other parks and temples, including Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Sacred Nine Temples.
Bangkok becomes crowded around the festival period, with both locals and foreigners coming to celebrate Songkran in a grand fashion. When looking for a place to stay, try Bangkok Serviced Accommodation instead of a hotel. The Citadines Bangkok Sukhumvit 16, offers Sukhumvit Serviced Apartments which are stylish and comfortable. With all the amenities of a hotel, the apartments act as your Bangkok home away from home.
The National Water Festival is the annual celebration of the Thai New Year. Known to locals and seasoned tourists as Songkran, the festivities take place in April. The dates of the New Year used to vary, but in recent years a fixed date was decided upon. All future celebrations will occur between the 13th and 15th of April. The event occurs over the span of 3 days, although in some parts of Thailand they might go on for longer periods.
On this day, the roads are filled with people splashing water on their friends and relatives. While anyone can join in, the water fights are especially popular with children, who come equipped with buckets and water guns. Songkran is conducted differently in various parts of Bangkok, and 2011 was no different. One of the annual traditions is the procession of the image of the sacred Phra Puttha Sihing Buddha, the image is taken to Santichaiprakarn Park, where the bathing ritual is conducted. The ritual bathing of images of the Buddha is a common element of the celebrations, and similar events take place at other parks and temples, including Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Sacred Nine Temples.
Bangkok becomes crowded around the festival period, with both locals and foreigners coming to celebrate Songkran in a grand fashion. When looking for a place to stay, try Bangkok Serviced Accommodation instead of a hotel. The Citadines Bangkok Sukhumvit 16, offers Sukhumvit Serviced Apartments which are stylish and comfortable. With all the amenities of a hotel, the apartments act as your Bangkok home away from home.
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