JamesA

For anyone in Thailand over Songkran ( Thai New year ) this is a great site...click on the English version , click on the 'Thailand Songkran' and it lists major events where and when. Site takes a bit of moving around to find things but it is good.

http://www.songkran.net/

JamesA

My usual typos when doing it fast..

Songkran ( sorry ! )

JamesA

The history page is also interesting.

kuranosuke

james; thanks for the informative site. full of good info. btw, are the major shopping complexes closed during april 12-15?

Janak626

JamesA, I realize that you are probably a native by now, but would youhappen to know of a site that offers the same info for Laos as we'll be in LP from 12-14 April. thanks jan

OJudy

Thank you for the information. I will be lucky enough to be in Bangkok during the festival! However, I too am curious as to whether the main stores, restaurants, malls, tourist sites, etc. will be open. If not, which days will they be closed?

JamesA

In Laos it is:

"Boun Pimai"

Go to this site:

http://www.visit-mekong.com/laos/festivals.htm

Seems about the same

JamesA

Shopping:

Probably busiest time of year, this 'is' the time that gifts are given. Although bangkok can be interesting it is great to get to other towns, there are parades etc everywhere from the largest to the smallest:-

Thai for "Happy New year":-

"Sawadee pee mai"

( sa-wah-dee-pee-my )

The "mai" is the same as you would say for a "Mai Thai" Cocktail or in the word 'my' as in 'my book'

Janak626

thanks, JamesA. in LP, Laotians go to the Pak Ou caves to leave offerings and we're hoping we can take a boat there and kayak in them. ought to be a lot of fun in LP.

orgy7

I was out in LP durring thier new years abot 2 years ago and it was wicked fun.. the parade they have everday is a bit short but really nice..