For a few mad days each April the Thais celebrate Songkran which is the new year or also known as the Water Festival.At this time of the year expect to be splashed with water no matter where you are. In Chiang Mai the centre of the action is around the moat in town so if you are up for some fun that is the place to be. Extra water has been allowed into the moat so that people can easily stock up their water buckets to throw over passers by. Plenty of people are jumping in and swimming in the moat as well although the water is not very clean.
Cyclists should take care as a friendly bucket of water can (and has) bought down a group of cyclists and passing trucks splashing water can be especially dangerous to those on two wheels. Rural areas are no exception: kids and adults in the village see passing motor cyclists and cyclists as legitimate targets and water is everywhere. Expect these fun and games to last at least a week but be aware that it can be a bit dangerous on two wheels. Best to go out early morning before the water splashers wake up.
The authorities are trying to encourage a ‘no alcohol’ Songkran but don’t expect anyone to take any notice of that. Happy New Year.