Thai New Year anyone??

[tjcox9]

We will begin a cruise out of Bangkok on 4/15 and have booked a three day pre-cruise stay in the city. We just discovered this period is Thai New Year and stores and shops may be shut down and that there is lots of water dousing on the streets.

 

We may decide to cancel the pre-cruise based on this, but would like to find out if anyone has had any experience being there during this time.

 

Thanks for any input you can provide.

[seahappy08]

We will begin a cruise out of Bangkok on 4/15 and have booked a three day pre-cruise stay in the city. We just discovered this period is Thai New Year and stores and shops may be shut down and that there is lots of water dousing on the streets.

 

We may decide to cancel the pre-cruise based on this, but would like to find out if anyone has had any experience being there during this time.

 

Thanks for any input you can provide.

We are there at the same time as you and on the first part of the cruise. You can shop at other ports but getting wet is supposed to be fun and it will cool you down just enter into the spirt of the event it doesn't happen all year round. Enjoy!

[tjcox9]

seahappy08

 

Thanks for the info. Sorry if I led you to think we were only interested in shopping. We don't cruise to shop. Our interests lie more in sightseeing as much as possible and partaking of the local flavor (foods, etc).

 

We're more concerned about the potential crowds and restaurants not being open than shopping. Can you share some insight on how crowded it was in the city and if restaurants and sights were open.............THX

[LKJ]

We were in Bangkok and also a seaside resort this year for the Thai New Year. Let's put it this way, as an American you'll end up totally WET, continually. People use pump water guns and it's quite likely you'll get hit with water unexpectedly. It's really quite fun. People also wish you a Happy New Year by dabbing a wet talcum powder mixture on your face as you pass them. They are very friendly in doing so.

 

Riding Tuk Tuks in Bangkok is a common mode of transportation. Watch out, there will be many people ready to throw water on you from the sidelines. 3 days of playful fun in March!

[LKJ]

No problem with shopping and restaurants being open during the Thai New Year. Plenty of opportunity. And missing the chance to see the Royal Palace and other sights around Bangkok would be a shame. It's an incredible experience.

[suekay]

Have to disagree with other posters I'm afraid We were there for 4 days over Thai New Year and would NEVER go at that time again:( We could never go out of the hotel without getting soaked through (and I mean soaked to the skin and clothes dripping wet) Although most people were good-natured and used only water pistols, some of the young lads had dustbins of ice and water and threw buckets full at us. Even the most good natured drenching palled after 4 days and we stayed in the hotel in the evening (when we did venture out we stayed close to the market stalls lining Sukhumvit Road as the stallholders went mad if water was sprayed near the stock). Everywhere was open and traffic was light as many Thai people went home to the country to visit family (the only chance they get) We now check out the dates of Thai New Year and avoid it like the plague!!!

 

Any other time Bangkok is one of our favourite places and one not to be missed

[Klongmaster]

I've lived here in Bangkok for the last 14 years and agree that Songkran - Thai New Year - which is in April incidently, is no longer the fun three days that it used to be.

 

We try to stay indoors throughout the festival as people have no repect for those who are obviously dressed for work and drench everyone in sight.

 

Travelling is not a good option during this time as last year over 600 people died on the roads throughout Thailand over the 3 day holiday period!

 

Regarding your concerns that places might be closed. You don't have to worry. Everywhere will be business as usual.

 

One major bonus for those visiting Bangkok during Songkran is that the city empties out as everyone returns to their home provinces, so no traffic jams and it's a great time to see all the major tourist sights.

 

The reality is that as a tourist you can take a taxi from the hotel door to the entrance of the tourist sites like the Grand Palace and return to the hotel without getting wet.

 

Choosing a hotel away from the Sukhumvit area is a good idea. The hotels along the river are a good choice at this time of year.