Many tourists from all over the world visit Thailand, especially Khao Sarn Road in Bangkok during April to take part in the water festival (Songkran) festivities. To those tourists who have been in action during the friendly yearly water fights, I am sure it was very fun. I thought so too until a few years ago, when I visited Myanmar during dates coinciding with Myanmar’s version of Songkran. The Myanmese called the water festival (Thingyan).
In Thailand’s version of the Songkran water festival, people loaded up tanks of ice cold water in pick up trucks going around splashing and drenching everyone who is within range all in good fun. Some like the picture above load water guns and ice cold squirt at you you are expected to retaliate with… what else, cold water of course.
Now this festival although coming from the same custom is celebrated differently in Myanmar. It is much more wild and spirited. The Myanmese authorities will build stages after stages called “pandles” on sides of main roads. Some of these stages will have live music bands, dances, gay models and bodybuilders on parade amplified by music blaring loudly from the speakers and PA system, others will be packed chocked full of people armed with wildly colorful hoses splashing tons of water on whoever wants the showers of blessings on them.
The Yangon ( former capital city of Myanmar) hotel I stayed in organized a tour of the city on the back of…. . yup, you said it…. . . pick up trucks with refreshment, water guns and large drums of ice cold water ammunition. This is certainly much more fun than the Thai version, especially if you bring your whisky along. The roads were flooded and water was flowing like small rivers.
So if you ever visit Thailand for its Songkran festival, then hop over to Myanmar to open a second water war front. A word of warning though, better book your hotel room or accommodation and air travel tickets early. The hotel rooms are always booked months in advance by fun loving tourists both in Thailand and Myanmar.
The festivities will usually last a few days every April. After hard day at play, do remember that Thailand is famous for its ancient Thai massage. Do get a skillful massuer to soothe those aching muscles after a few days of fun. You can even order a massage service from the hotels.
Posts Tagged ‘Thailand’
Thailand And Myanmar Water Fight
December 12th, 2009Top 10 Things to Do and See on Samui Island – Thailand
December 12th, 2009In light of its spectacular Andaman waters with their clear water and coral reefs, rich animal and plant life, top-notch resorts and intense party scene, Samui has set itself apart as one of Thailand’s most popular resort destinations. There’s plenty to do in the towns as well as out and about on the water, underwater and in the forest. The monthly Full Moon parties that take place on a neighbouring island are an absolute requirement for all full-throttle partiers. All of this together makes for a first-class holiday in one of Thailand’s most coveted locations.
Temple of the Big Buddha
Wat Phra Yai is Samui’s Temple of the Big Buddha, with its signature 12 metre tall Buddha statue. Built in 1972, this iconic temple sits on a little island that is connected to the main island by a bridge. The temple grounds also house a centre for meditation, another draw for inspired visitors. When visiting any temple in Thailand, it’s important to follow the standard rules of dress and etiquette which includes wearing long pants, sleeves and removing your shoes before entering the actual temple.
Beaches
The beaches of Samui are its greatest attraction, and each one is known for its own specific qualities. Ao Tong Takian is also called Silver Beach due to the glimmer of its sand and shimmering water; Lamai Beach is a popular family destination in light of the abundant water sports and activities; Choeng Mon offers higher-class accommodation in a remote setting and Chaweng Beach rallies as the most popular among tourists, with its peripheral of exciting activities like Muay Thai boxing and bungee jumping.
Eating out
Nothing beats an evening at a beachside restaurant where you can enjoy a laid-back dinner right at the water’s edge. Samui’s fresh seafood makes way for all kinds of top-notch cuisineâbe it gourmet Thai food or international fare. More authentic and highly affordable Thai food can be hunted out on the streets from local vendors, and in the opinion of the locals, the spicier the better.
Partying and nightlife
The tourism industry has paved the way for a varied nightlife that spans all the major developed districts. Clubs can be found at Lamai Beach, with tourist-grabbing exhibitions and shows to hold your interest. This is also the seedier side of the island with its fair share of go-go bars and the periphery of business that comes along with it. Live bands and slightly more upscale bars and clubs can be found at Chaweng Beach. A more laidback scene is on Big Buddha Beach with western-style ambiance and expatriate-owned establishments.
Full Moon parties
Even if they haven’t attended one, almost every visitor to Samui will hear about the notorious Full Moon parties held once a month on neighbouring Pha Ngan Island. Locals taxi boatloads of partygoers out to this island in preparation for the heart-pounding party that rage all night in honour of the full moon. There’s a variety of music playing, and peddlers take advantage of their corner on the market by selling all sorts of souvenirs, food and other ingestibles at exorbitant prices. The popularity of this monthly party has led to the addition of further weekend parties to mark less memorable phases of the lunar cycle.
Waterfalls
There are several waterfalls on Samui that many tourists choose to visit. Na Muang Fall 1 flows over a very tall cliff and spills into a rocky pool; while it isn’t great for swimming, it makes for wonderful scenery. Its counter, Na Muang Fall 2, is located nearby and is easily accessed by groups of elephant riders and trekkers. Another option is to head to Hin Lat Fall, which is a great place to enjoy a cool, freshwater plunge for a change of pace from swimming in the ocean.
Diving
Koh Samui is a world-class diving destination and the fabulous offshore coral reefs pose a great opportunity for all skill levels. Beginners can enrol in accredited training courses at many dive shops in Bo Phut, Chaweng and Lamai. More skilled divers prefer diving at Sail Rock or Ang Thong National Marine Park, an impressive 40-island archipelago that boasts a pristine natural environment. The ultimate diving destination in Thailand, Koh Tao isn’t too far away either.
Daytrip south
If you’re looking for an escape from the hectic tourism scene, head to the south side of Samui where groves of coconut trees and quiet Muslim fishing towns have staved off the development that has come upon the rest of the island. It’s possible to find a secluded beach to while away some hours, and there are also some unique temples and chedis to investigate.
Adventure sports
Adventure sports are an everyday pastime on Samui. The whole family will appreciate elephant rides in a jungle setting, and multiple agencies can arrange tours. Closer to town, kids will enjoy spending some time at the go-kart track. Samui Shooting Range is located in Chawang, as is the bungee jumping pavilion. The latter sits off the beach road near the Reggae Bar.
Viewing wildlife
The display of wildlife at Samui ranges from insects and butterflies at the Butterfly Farm to the raging buffalo fights scheduled at local stadiums. There is a snake farm, crocodile farm and an aquarium all on the main island. The nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park has wild gibbons living in lush, jungle surroundings amid quiet lagoons and limestone cliffs.
Stress Buster Holiday In Thailand
December 12th, 2009If you desire for a memorable and unforgettable holiday, it will be very wise of you to land in Thailand, a place of serene environment with natural beauties. The beautiful waters and the magnificent view will make you forget all your sorrows till you are in this very place. People from all across the globe come here leaving behind all their stress and worldly tensions to watch the blue waters starting from their foot step and escaping into the long lost horizon. The place that attracts maximum visitors is Koh Samui, a beautiful island in Surat Thani, which is the largest province in southern Thailand. People visiting Koh Samui cannot help falling in love with its picturesque view.
Koh Samui is well equipped with both water and air transport facilities. If you want an adventurous start for your perfect holiday, you can always choose ferry transportation from Surat Thani and reach to the white sandy beaches of Koh Samui crossing the waving and rippling waters.
Tourists visiting Koh Samui don’t have to face any accommodation problem, thanks to a number of luxurious and affordable hotels and bungalows in the beautiful island. To add to the facilities of the tourists all the hotels and luxury bungalows are not very far from the most popular beaches like Bophut beach, Choeng Mon beach, Chaweng beach, Bang Rak beach and Mae Nam beach. Some of the notable hotels are Lamai Buri resort, Grand sea view resort, X2 Samui, Matlang resort, Serene Hill resort and many more. As these hotels are very close to the beaches you can take a quick walk to the beaches no matter which hotel you check in. You can enjoy watching the sun rising and setting. Any tourist wishing to live life in Thailand to the fullest can always go for the luxurious Ko Samui bungalows.
A coastal road encircles the palm-fringed paradise or the Koh Samui Island. The other attractions besides the lovely beaches are the coral beds, the coconut plantations as well as forested hills. The Lamai beach is very attractive for its magnificent view along with luxury accommodations. However if you wish, you can always try the adventure sports like aqua diving and aqua biking in the beaches like Chaweng and Bophut. Nathon is the capital of Koh Samui which is situated on the southwest coast of the island. The other primary tourist attractions include the Namtok Hin Lat water fall, buttery fly garden, Ban Lipa Yai village, Thong Takhian and the snake farm of Laem Set.
