Thailand is gearing up for the biggest water fight of the year – that’s right, Songkran (Thai New Year) is just around the corner. The festival will be held from 13-15 April, although banks and government offices will also be closed on 16 April.
PLS will be closed from 12-20 April, with lessons resuming on Monday 21 April.
We want you to have the time of your life this Songkran, so we put together a few suggestions to help you get the most out of the festival:
1. Invest in a good water gun – they’re cheap to buy and you can find them everywhere in the days leading up to Songkran.
2. Snaplock bags are a handy, cheap option for storing phones, money and anything else you don’t want to get wet.
3. Wear sunglasses! Getting splashed in the eye isn’t fun.
4. Put on some waterproof sunblock before you go out – even on a cloudy day you can still get sunburned.
5. Wear open-toed shoes, preferably with good grip since the ground will be very wet.
6. What to wear? Hawaiian shirts are all the rage during Songkran. If you don’t happen to have one lying around, bright colours and patterned shirts will do just fine. Whatever you do, don’t wear your best clothes!
7. Rinse off as soon as you get home … just in case some of the water wasn’t 100% clean.
8. Please don’t drink and drive – take a taxi, nominate a sober driver or just find a cheap guesthouse for the night. There will be plenty of police checkpoints around the island so if you don’t already have a Thai driver’s license, now is a great time to get one!
9. Wish people a happy new year in Thai, “Sà-wàd-dee-bpee-mài khráp/khà”.
10. Understand that if you go outside, you’re going to get wet. Just relax and have fun!