Songkran at Ancient Siam

Songkran has arrived again and people are getting ready to celebrate the start of the traditional Thai new year. However, Songkran is not just about the water fights. There are other, more traditionals, ways that Thai people can celebrate this festive season.

At the Ancient Siam in Samut Prakan (formerly known as Ancient City), they are advertising “Songkran in the 4 Regions”. This will be held between 13th and 15th April 2009. If you want to escape the craziness of Bangkok then you might enjoy celebrating Songkran in a more traditional way. And yes, there will be water fights!

The opening ceremony was held yesterday. It started with a parade through town from The Erawan Museum to the Ancient Siam. Members of the press were then taken on a tour of the park. We were told that during Songkran we will be able to experience how people celebrate Songkran in the four different regions.

There will be four main areas in the park where you will be able to see traditional dancing from each region. There will also be fun and games as well. If you are a Buddhist you will also have the opportunity to pay respect to Buddha images at nine sacred locations.