Going to Ayutthaya to Celebrate Songkran

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I don’t normally like to travel during Songkran. The roads are horrendous. At the start and finish of the holidays there are bad traffic jams and in-between there are drunk drivers. But, I decided this year to take a break from celebrating Songkran in Bangkok and Samut Prakan and go to Ayutthaya instead for a couple of days. I’ve just booked my hotel room for Saturday night and so I am committed now. Should be fun though. Every year on Songkran Day I see a picture like the one above in the Bangkok Post. They set this up for the media the day before which is why I’m driving up there on Saturday. You can also see the elephants like this from 13-15 April.

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My second reason to go is to take pictures of the early morning alms giving to 999 monks in front of Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit at 7 a.m. I usually take picture of this Songkran merit making ceremony in Paknam and so it will make a nice change to do this elsewhere. They then have water fights in front of the old city hall and the municipal office. I hear there will also be parades during the day. I will update this page if I hear more details. I will also tweet on @RichardBarrow.

Where will you celebrate Songkran?

4 thoughts on “Going to Ayutthaya to Celebrate Songkran

  • February 1, 2017 at 7:53 am
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    Hi Richard,

    Was it worthwhile going to Ayutthaya for Songkran? In particular, are the festivities more traditional than the water mayhem in Bangkok.

    My son and I have the option of spending April 13-15 in either Ayutthaya or Bangkok. Getting wet is not on the top of my list, but seeing a more traditionally Thai celebration of the holiday would be preferable.

    Alternatively, we could stay in Bangkok and travel to Ayutthaya for the day, although I understand that travel can be tough during that time.

    Thanks,

    John

    Reply
    • February 4, 2017 at 9:13 am
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      They are promising more of a traditional Songkran this year. Though no details have been released yet. I did Songkran in Ayutthaya once and it was fun. I’ll post more info as soon as I receive it.

      Reply
      • April 2, 2018 at 10:32 am
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        Hi Richard, great blog! I am thinking of going to Ayutthaya this year (13-15 April 2018) for Songkran but first would love to hear if it really was more traditional when you attended. Do you think it is worth it? We are looking to take part in the festivities, but with fewer tourists. Would love to hear how your experience was! Thanks!

        Reply
        • April 2, 2018 at 10:40 am
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          This year will probably be more traditional in many places. I’ll update as soon as I get any information.

          Reply

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