Many foreign tourists, and even some Thais, seem to think that Songkran is only about the water fights. But, there is another side to this festival which is more traditional. It is possible to experience what I call the real Songkran at various places around Thailand. In Bangkok, one of the best places to go is at Nakaraphirom Park which is alongside the Chao Phraya River and next to the pier at Tha Tien. It is a new park with some excellent river views including Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.
The opening ceremony was tonight but from Sunday 10 April until Friday 15th April 2011 it is open to the public. It is open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. but it might be better to visit in the evening when there are also some cultural shows and when it will be cooler too. At the park you will be able to see how they celebrate the Songkran Festival in the four regions of Thailand. You will also be able to sample a variety of Thai dishes.
The show that we watched tonight was really spectacular and everyone did a grand job. It was about the legend behind Songkran which was fascinating. Each night during the week there will be different performances.
On Sunday 10th April: 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thai dance “Khan Dok”, Lantern Dance and Thoi Loi. At 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. there will be a play called “Suwanna Hong”.
On Monday 11th April: 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thai dance “Hang Nok Yung”, Drum Dance and Thai percussion. At 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. a Thai puppet show from Joe Louis.
On Tuesday 12th April: Thai dance “Khan Dok”, Martial Art “Phu Thai” abd Thai dance “Sawaddiraksa”. At 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. the play Khun Chang Khun Phaen.
On Wednesday 13th April: Thai dance “Thun Phar Khwan”, Songkran Queen Dance and Nora dance. At 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. a Musical Comedy.
On Thursday 14th April: 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. I-San Rocket Dance, Dance “Loi Long Le’ and Saneng. At 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. a musical comedy.
On Friday 15th April: 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thai traditional show. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thai classical masked play “Khon”.
Map showing location of Nakaphirom Park in Bangkok:
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