Phuket - Songkran 2010 (April) by West Australia tour group

Songkran Slayers W.A. · Newbie

Phuket - Songkran 2010 (April) by West Australia tour group

geeman · Veteran Member

Photo - collage of geeman in Phuket and Bangkok

Songkran, Patong.... Our band of brothers affectionately named the ‘Songkran Slayers’ was a blend of youth and experience that came together to celebrate the 2010 festival. Monday morning we were receiving reports of small outbreaks of water fights and by the afternoon there is just no place to hide on the streets.

We stand back to back as we carry out a sortie down Bangla Road thinking safety in numbers regardless we are totally overwhelmed by the length and breadth of the fighting taking place but amazingly without any sense of aggression, only in the spirit of total enjoyment. Although we held our own there was just too many fights to fight, the water just came from everywhere.

A tactical retreat in to a side bar with a full frontal attack on a opposing bar left us with a short lived taste of victory as a surprise counter attach caught us totally off guard. The youth in our team took up an offensive position behind the grassy knoll at the hotel which proved to provide an endless supply of surprised squealing targets thru out the night. Tuesday and the streets are out of control, we hit the road in the back of a ute with two large drums filled with ice water (thanks to the hotel), the colder the better the reaction when hit.

Carnage abounds during the day on a road tour throughout Patong. Every man, women and child is out and armed with a spray of water hidden behind a friendly smile. By the evening all clam is restored to the place as the festival moves on around the country. After hearing stories of past Songkran my expectations were high and I must report expectations well and truly surpassed in this instance.

This festival is truly a celebration that lifts the soul, the shear enjoyment of the experience had is addictive, you can’t avoid it just join in and enjoy it.

Kelly · Member

To be completely honest, prior to this trip I had prepared myself for some disasters. But I was proved wrong, the trip was a total success and entirely enjoyable.

The Songkran festival really isn't something you can explain, it's something to be experienced, and has to be seen to be believed. The atmosphere on Patong beach is so exciting, the good attitude and warm smiles are contagious. One of the highlights was hiding behind hedges and attacking unsuspecting victims with icy water.

You would be surprised how many people become involved and encourage the game, hotel and restaurant staff always have some ice handy and are very generous. Bangla Road is a unique place and in some people an acquired taste. This is where you have to let go of your negative thinking and just have an open mind, because lady boys can be very funny.

There's always plenty happening on Patong beach. I reccommend the jet ski and banana boat hire on the beach, but only for those who are physically capable, it's exhausting! Over all, I had a lot more fun than I thought I would, and I'll definately be back. I think Lucky deserves a much earned THANKYOU for taking us all on this exciting experience.