Embrace Thailand's Water Festival
14th Mar 2019
Marking the end of the dry season, Songkran is a celebration of religious faith and a man-made monsoon, symbolising the beginning of a new year in a spectacular way.
The name Songkran derives from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘passing’ and ‘approaching’. It’s a very important event in the Buddhist calendar and represents a fresh start. Thai Buddhists visit temples throughout the festival to pay their respects, elders are honoured by the pouring of water on their hands and houses are spotlessly cleaned.
The beginning of the festival is known as the Songkran day and this takes place on 13th April. During the morning the temples are filled with offerings and decorations, and by the afternoon the streets are transformed into aquatic playgrounds. If you’ve travelled to Thailand during the festival you’ll have experienced the challenge of staying dry as you walk around – something our SenSpa Director Lina Lotto knows all too well.
“Walking through Bangkok was an experience I’ll never forget during my first Thai New Year. I was pelted with water at every corner which was great fun at first yet, by the end of the day I practically sobbed with frustration exclaiming; I JUST WANT TO BE DRY!”
There is theory in the perceived madness however. By throwing water on one another you are washing away any bad luck, preparing for the year ahead.
Cease fires are held after sundown and whilst some people still throw water, it is frowned upon after this time. Other strict rules include forbidding participants of removing clothing, and you must never splash a monk, pregnant woman or babies. Thai etiquette remains strong too. Do not deliberately embarrasses anyone, or take this opportunity to lose your temper.
It’s an incredibly fun and chaotic experience and in celebration of this fantastic event we've created an exclusive Songkran spa day featuring a limited edition Songkran treatment. A cleansing body scrub using hibiscus, ylang ylang and neroli and a nourishing massage infused with an exotic blend of lavender, starflower and jasmine with beautify and renew your mind, body and soul.
Book your Songkran experience and visit Thailand without the jetlag this spring.
Book our special limited edition spa day today!