Going to Bangsaen for Songkran

Most people think that Songkran in Thailand is only from 13-15 April. But, that is not really true. The Mon people celebrate Songkran a little later. In Bangsaen in Chonburi it will take place from Wednesday 16th – Thursday 17th April 2014. In Thai, the festival is called “Wan Lai Bangsaen”. The highlight are the giant “sandcastles” that are built at the top of the beach. Every year I go down for the second day to see the completed art work. But, I’ve never seen them actually building them on day one. And so that is why I decided to go down to Bangsaen for two days. I have never stayed there overnight before and so I am looking forward to that.

I don’t have much information yet. All I know is that they will start to build the sand pagodas at about 9 a.m. on Wednesday. At about 12 p.m. they will do the qualifying rounds for the Sea Boxing tournament. This is a fun sport where two people box each other while sitting astride a pole which is above some water. The loser is the person who hits the water first. The main events are on the second day which is this Thursday. The day starts at 7 a.m. with a Buddhist ceremony. Then from about 9:30 a.m. there will be various games throughout the day. There will also be water throwing and a free concert along Beach Road.

As usual, you will be able to follow my trip to Bangsaen live on Twitter at @RichardBarrow. Or maybe I will see you there in person? It is worth going, if only for one day.