Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nomad-ish]

just realized that my stay in bangkok is at the time of the songkran festival (april 6-13 this year), does anyone know if the tourist attractions will be closed? would some of the famous temples be closed to tourists during this time??

any help is much appreciated!

[mrsquirrel]

Songkran is shiite.

You will get soaked with water from lads on the back of pickups. People will put flower in your face and everytime you want to go out you will get wet.

Roads are greasy, don't think about going on a motorbike taxi.

Fucking nightmare. However Bangkok is very quiet at Songkhran because everybody leaves.

No idea if tourist attractions are closed - highly doubt it but you never know.

[spliff]

Tourist attractions are always open. Songkran can be interesting and fun if it's your first one and have cool Thai mates but, I will admit, it starts to loose it's fascination and general appeal after the first few years. Anyway, have fun and keep safe...like Squirrel said it's a dangerous time of the year to be on the road.

[nomad-ish]

thanks you two! i definitely would've preferred to steer clear of major festivals during my time there (less expensive, less people, etc.) but it's the only time i can go... this year anyway

[mrsquirrel]

I wouldn't make any plans for travelling on the day before the official holiday/evening or on the last day.

I believe KSR has a hug festival but watch your pockets.

[Fishead soup]

[georgewallas]

After living in Korea for a year, there's nothing I am looking forwards to MORE than Songran - this is what you do, get a hawaiian shirt, buy the biggest baddest water gun you can buy, get flip flops with good traction, then go out and get some Sang Sum in your system - watch out, anything over a litter and you may go bling

Now, go to the side of a large road, hide your gun, and wait, within 3 minutes a truck with the bucketed goons will show up, at which point take out the gun, and keep going until they've passed - you are asured to get solidly SOAKED, but it's a good time, and with a lot of Sang Sum in your system, it won't feel that bad/annoying.

At night, head to the clubs, where you're sure to be bathed in liquor and water, but very few women will be out.

If you want the cultural experience, there's a notion of fertility festival, in which case a polite Thai [usually woman] will approach you and ask [in Thai, and very politely] to pour some water on your head. I've had it done once, and it's really special.
Rinse and repeat for 3 days.

[TECO]

Songkran - I hate that motherfucking festival.

[lawyertood]

If you are carrying your passport, money or a cell phone, make sure you seal them in waterproof containers!