Tag Archives: Phangan Resorts

Songkran: The Thailand Water Festival – The Wettest Festival in Asia

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The culture of Thailand is just as renowned as her lush natural beauty. Anyone who is familiar with Thailand or even Asia in general will be aware of the legendary Songkran festival.

File:Huai Yai, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand - panoramio (5).jpg

song songroov, Huai Yai, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand – panoramio (5), CC BY 3.0

What is Songkran?

This festival is associated with new beginnings and purification, which is why the country turns into a massive water-fight. During Songkran, Thai people also gently and respectfully wash the hands of their elders, and even wash Buddha statues with water scented with flowers. In the modern day, things are taken to the extreme with people taking to the streets with water guns.

File:Songkran 012.jpg

Takeaway, Songkran 012, CC BY-SA 3.0

 

When is it?

This iconic festival officially takes place over the course of three days starting on the 13th of April and concluding on the 15th. Many people take leave from work during this time and the duration of the festival usually ends up being extended to around six days.

The Best Places to Be

Extended festival celebrations usually take place in the more tourist-oriented areas such as Phangan. Resorts are aplenty in this region with many to choose from such as Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, which means Songkran is particularly intriguing here.

Tips to Remember

Everyone excluding religious figures, royalty and pregnant women will be splashed. Since you’re guaranteed to get very wet, leave any electronic belongings at your place of residence/accommodation. Due to increased accidents during this time, it is recommended you do not ride a bike when Songkran happens.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Fullmoon Party on Koh Phangan – Thailand’s most famous party!

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Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa

Koh Phangan is an island in southeastern Thailand. It was once a sleepy little island and it continues to be for the most part. The exception is during the full moon when the aptly named, ‘Full Moon Party’ gets underway. The party takes place on Hat Rin Beach on the southern tip of Koh Phangan. Resorts and boutiques catering to the discerning traveller are located on the more tranquil western and northern shores. Wild party aside, the island has much to offer in the form of natural beauty. The surrounding forests and pristine bays give it the feeling of a private island. It is also home to the luxurious Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort and Spa. Koh Phangan will soon be only an hour’s flight from Bangkok, with the opening of an airport, which is in the pipeline.

The Full Moon Party at Hat Rin started out with small groups of guitar playing, pot smokers gathering together in the moonlight. Today, it has become an alcohol soaked, rite of passage for backpackers around the world. The mile long party venue sees thirty thousand people crowded on one beach with makeshift stalls put up by vendors selling cheap alcohol. Enormous speakers blare loud music till the sun comes up. Drugs, violent crime and sexual assault are common and increasing as this party grows more popular. Drownings and emergency trips to mainland hospitals have also become annual occurrences.

The party goers drift away by morning and the island returns to its calm and quiet way of being until the next full moon. However, the Full Moon Party’s days maybe numbered because the Tourism Authority of Thailand is working to clean up the image of Koh Phangan and market it as an upscale holiday destination.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+