A bit in advance but thinking of returning for Songkran in 2016 - understand it is from 13 -15 April. Been in Thailand for Loy Krathong but never Songkran. Will probably stay in Silom. Wanted to hear of any ones's impressions, advice,warnings, experiences - with thanks

You will hear a wide variety of opinions.  Some, especially long-term expats, hate it with a passion.  Others think it is the best party in the world.  If it interests you, then definitely something to experience in life.

 

Before my first Songkran, I posted a request for some information on the Sawatdee site.  Some good info in the thread, which still applies today.  Might be worth taking a read through.

 

http://sawatdeenetwork.com/forum/songkran-here-come-some-questions-t28088.html?hilit=songkran

A bit in advance but thinking of returning for Songkran in 2016 - understand it is from 13 -15 April. Been in Thailand for Loy Krathong but never Songkran. Will probably stay in Silom. Wanted to hear of any ones's impressions, advice,warnings, experiences - with thanks

 

As per my opinion: better to celebrate it somewhere else. For example in Pattaya. Cuz Silom at Songkran looks like nightmare.

Songkran is ONLY fun for first-timers!

 

Seriously, getting "blessed" is one thing but remaining in damp clothes, I don't want to even think of the "other" substances they *your well-wishers" had added into the water in the plastic guns... Imagine you are all ready for dinner and dressed up appropriately for the appointment, once you step out, "Bomb".. what a kill joy..

 

Unless you enjoy 'wet-T-shirt' or better still, moving around half-naked in your skimpy shorts.. oops, dont catch a cold/fever ...the medical consequences are just too much to bear...   Most of us, the earthlings, rather hide our excesses...

I have a different opinion. Between Bangkok and Pattaya, I definitely would choose Bangkok.

 

The main reason is that In Pattaya it goes on forever and you have to put up with Idiot Russians etc in trucks for up to 2 weeks.'

 

It is fun in BKK at least once and then it ends.

My vote goes to Bangkok, too. In my opinion, it's great fun year after year, but after three days you've really had enough of it for a year... Sure, many disagree, as with all things party... This one comes with bucket loads of (often ice cold) water and spreads over several days, so it's no surprise that both the lovers and the loathers are very outspoken. 

 

A newbie who wants to experience it and has some balls could do Silom on one day and Khaosan Road on another day. That's the two most popular Songkran venues in Bangkok, so if crowded places aren't for you or even scare you, better don't go there. It's seriously crowded, the pic posted by Moses gives a good impression. That said, it's quite possible to stay in these areas and avoid the busiest spots at the busiest times. The reward, obviously, is plenty of eye candy in wet shirts.

 

As for warnings, it's wet and crowded, so protecting your stuff against getting wet and getting lifted from your pockets is important. Preferably by leaving it at the hotel unless it's really necessary. Don't drink more booze than you can handle while it's still hot in the daytime, passing out in a crowded street isn't fun. Buy stored value cards before if you plan to use the BTS or MRT in Silom, otherwise you might have to spend a lot of extra time queuing to get your ticket or token.

Mankind is split between those who love it and those who hate it, I belong to second category.

Even without having my passport stolen in 2013 it would have been a poor experience, full story here: http://christianpfc.blogspot.com/2014/04/repost-my-songkran-2013.html

 

Prepare for pedestrian traffic jams (like 1 meter per minute) and queues. All that while being splashed with water of temperature between 0 and 40 degree Celsius, and water guns often deliberately aiming for your face.

 

I recommend not going further than walking distance, as it will be impossible or costly to get a taxi, or long wait at public transport.

Thank you for the feedback - anonone and Christian - thanks for the referrals back to your reports - enjoyed them

I have lived through ONE Songkran in BKK: 

The positive: an opportunity for big events like foam parties and orgies in the saunas I like.

The negative: taking the water thrown at me by so many idiots without punching anyone in the face.

The wasteful: attended one GCircuit pool party that bored me to death.