In April, Songkran, the revered Thai traditional New Year, will extend its festivities to an unprecedented 21 days, making Songkran 2024 the longest-ever celebration following UNESCO’s declaration of Songkran as an ‘intangible cultural heritage’.
This special celebration aims to position the Songkran festival as a global cultural destination, showcasing Thailand’s rich heritage and cultural values to the world. The event will be broadcast globally via CNN, BBC, and iQIYI, with international celebrities and influencers invited to experience Songkran in Thailand, inspiring their fans and followers to embark on their own “Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End” journey.
From April 1 onwards, a series of Songkran celebrations, notably the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024,” will unfold across Thailand, particularly in travel destinations like Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, and Phuket. Visitors can anticipate immersing themselves in Thailand’s rich heritage and culture through a variety of experiences, including traditional Thai dances, local music performances, vibrant street food and craft markets, and the cherished Songkran rituals.
In Bangkok, the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 is scheduled from April 11 to 15 along Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and at Sanam Luang. The highlight of the event is the ‘Maha Songkran Parade’ on April 11, featuring 20 grand processions and over 1,000 performers, showcasing distinctive Songkran traditions from various provinces.
Throughout the festival, Sanam Luang will host cultural and musical performances, including Khon masked drama and Nora dance drama – both recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage performing arts. Visitors can also experience Songkran traditions and festivities unique to different regions of Thailand at a dedicated zone, along with displays and activities highlighting Thai cultural heritage, such as Muay Thai Maha Songkran and Thai summer dishes.
MYANMAR
BAGAN: Within these walls
Known as the valley of 2,000 pagodas, the ancient city of Bagan is the highlight of any visit to Myanmar. Located on the vast plains of Upper Myanmar on the bend of the Ayeyarawaddy, its beauty stems not just from its gilded pagodas and stone temples but its murals. And the frescos at one temple alone – the Sulamani – are worth a second and even third trip to Bagan.
LAOS
Luang Phrabang: Culture on a place
Loved by tourists for its old-world romance, Luang Prabang draws visitors for its gilded temples, saffron-clad monks and faded French colonial villas. But you don’t have to be an amateur archaeologist to enjoy Luang Prabang. On my third trip to the former royal capital of Laos, I follow my stomach as I set off on a gustatory adventure.
The festival will offer various splash activities at the water zone, including a musical dancing fountain, water tunnel, gigantic wading pool, and water station. On April 13, the traditional Thai New Year, a merit-making ceremony will be held, featuring activities promoting Thai traditions such as the Song Nam Phra ritual and the Rot Nam Dam Hua ritual, symbolizing respect for Buddha images and seeking blessings from elders, respectively.
