SINGAPORE – Agoda.com, one of Asia’s
leading hotel booking sites and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group
(Nasdaq:PCLN), is offering superb holiday hotel deals in Thailand to celebrate
Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year and one of the country’s most
anticipated annual events.
The
origins of Songkran go back hundreds of years, when April marked the end of the
dry season. Families gathered together, often at temples, to celebrate a
successful year and to pray for a fruitful coming year. It was also a time to
wash valued images of Buddha with scented water, which was then poured over the
hands of senior members of the family as a blessing. It also didn’t hurt that
April is the hottest time of the year, and a dousing of cool water was a
welcome distraction. Songkran is based
on the solar calendar. This year it
falls April 13-15.
What
started as a discreet and modest celebration has turned into an event that
fills the streets of most major Thai towns and cities. Time spent with family
and visits to auspicious temples are still an essential part of the event for
most Thais, but exciting street parties and over-the-top water fights with
thousands of revelers have become the most visible part of the celebration.
Visitors
are welcome to join the fun, but prepare to get wet and even messy – those walking
in or even near a party area will find it impossible to stay dry. On top of
this, Thais will often rub white paste onto cheeks and into hair of strangers
while saying “Sawa Dee Pee Mai!” (Happy New Year!) before moving on to
the next person.
As
with most big parties there are some common rules of etiquette to follow: put
wallet, phone, and other valuables in a plastic bag; wear clothing that is
comfortable but not too skimpy; wear sunglasses if in the thick of things; and be
part of the fun. When hit with a stray jet of ice water or getting paste
smooshed into hair or ears react with a jovial “you got me!” and take your
soaking or pasting with the good intentions with which they were delivered –
it’s all part of the fun!
This
year Agoda.com is offering superb hotel deals in six of the most popular
Songkran destinations around the country: Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Ko Samui,
Chiang Mai, and Krabi. Visit the special landing page at www.agoda.com/songkran2014 to see featured hotels in
some of Thailand’s most popular Songkran destinations.
Have fun!
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