There is no national holiday anywhere in the world quite like Songkran. Songkran is the celebration of the Thai new year, which starts on the 13th of April, and depending upon where you are in Thailand, Songkran Festival can last between 3 and 10 days. What makes Songkran so special? Simple, where else on earth would you find a festival which is nothing short of a 10 day long national water fight? Songkran takes place during the very hottest part of the year, and Thai people spend Songkran dousing each other with water in any way they can.

Songkran on Phuket only lasts three days, with the third and final day being the most lively. Be warned, if you are on the street during Songkran there is absolutely no way to avoid getting drenched. Almost every shop, restaurant and bar will have a large plastic tub of water outside, throwing buckets of water over every passing pedestrian and car, including the police! Additionally, pickup trucks with water barrels loaded aboard, and upwards of a dozen people crammed into the back, will tour the streets throwing water over everyone. Add to this the throng of children who spend the entire festival shooting their water guns at everyone, then you can see just why Songkran is such a soggy festival.

As much fun as Songkran can be, it is not for everyone. If you are the kind of person who does not enjoy every street full of partying people, and would rather avoid getting wet every time you stick your head out of your hotel, then visit Thailand at another time of year. However, if you love to party, then this is the biggest on the Thai calendar, a non-stop water extravaganza.