Packing for Thailand during the hot season from March to May should be a breeze. Summer dresses and shorts to accommodate for the lack of breeze during the hottest time of the year in Thailand are must-haves. A scarf or clothing option that covers your thighs and shoulders can be used multiple times for temple visits. Simple. Done and Done.
Not so fast if you are planning to travel to Thailand during Songkran in April. From April 13th to 15th, and even longer in Chiang Mai, the nation celebrates the New Year with house cleaning, temple visits, parades, and a giant, free-for-all water fight. From Phuket to Bangkok to the ultimate Songkran destination, Chiang Mai, you will not be able to go two minutes outside without getting soaked.
Here are a few tips on what to pack, and what to purchase, for Songkran.
1. Two Outfits
The water fights usually start mid-morning and last until 6 pm in Chiang Mai. For the three days of the festival, plan on switching clothes every other day and drying your outfit at night. After 6 pm you are generally fine to wear a nicer outfit and stay dry.
2. Waterproof Necklace for Camera/Money
Buy the waterproof necklace you’ll see at the stands selling water guns. Buy the more expensive 60 Baht option that has clear plastic on each side. For less than $2 USD, you’ll have a handy case for your money and phone that conveniently hangs around your neck. BONUS: you can still take pictures through the clear plastic!
3. Water Gun
At the same stall you buy the necklace, you can buy the water gun for about 140 Baht! There really isn’t much room for negotiating on these as you need to be armed.
4. Flip Flops
Just plain, plastic flip flops you could get at Old Navy. Don’t get fancy with the Teva criss-cross sandals like I did. They will just get in your way, take forever to dry out and, if you are in a beach area, never come clean of the sand. Those tiny pieces of sand will then rub your feet raw.
5. Swim suit
Again, alternate two options so you can wash and wear. Most visitors for the festival will be wearing their bathing suit under shorts and a tank top. Locals will be wearing much more clothing but still be drenched. The Thai people who I encountered during the festival did not mind the different clothing standards for tourists compared to locals. That being said, don’t be “That Girl” who is the bathing suit top and booty shorts. Even though it is about 100 degree Fahrenheit, it’s important to be respectful of the more conservative culture and the holiday.
6. A Waterproof Camera
A lot of Songkran participants were decked out in their GoPro gear. Awesome way to record the crazy festivities. A less expensive option is to get a waterproof camera like the Panasonic Lumix, like my friend Alisha used. It worked great and took fabulous pictures. For $139, it’s not a bad point-and-click camera option.
7. Toilet Paper
In Chiang Mai, there is a Burger King near Tha Phae Gate and most restaurants will let you use the restroom. If you do get in a pinch, no pun intended – I swear, there are bathrooms near the temples that you can pay to use. Bring coins to buy your toilet paper and prepare to squat.
8. A Great Attitude
Listen, you are going to get soaked and be soaked until the sun goes down. Embrace it! I guarantee your face will hurt from smiling during Songkran so be sure to enjoy it.
Leave your suggestions for must-have items for Songkran in the comment section below! Check out my Tumblr page, This Day Will Never Come Again, for pictures from Songkran 2014 in Chiang Mai.
Happy travels,
@laurylkitson