How to escape songkran - any ideas please?

[Betti]

I've been through songkran twice in Chiang Mai and I think there is time for a change.
the first time it was exciting and I did not mind.
last year, it was different. the splashing started as early as April 9, and on April 11 I could hardly get home from work, I fell with my motorcycle after an idiot of a kid unexpectedly splashed a bucket of water on me and I could not control my movements.
no, I don't mind waterfights as long as they are within sensible limitations, but songkran has got completely out of control in Chiang Mai.
on April 13, it was cloudy and windy so I got a cold while watching the parade of the Buddha images, which is otherwise very spectacular and the greatest part of the festival. I did not go out after that though. I love the preparations, the sandcastles, the flags, the activities at the temples, where you don't get drenched all the time. but it is enough.

is there mad songkran in Luang Prabang or in Burma? I think they are both celebrating their traditional new years at the same time, maybe not so madly though. I'm looking for a nice place where I don't get splashed on by drunken mobs with my camera in my hand, where there is no icy water, where it is more about traditions and some water, but the central idea is not "let's go mad". we'll have a couple of days for holiday and I would love to get out of Chiang Mai.

any suggestions?

[khunlungphudhu]

You could try a weeks retreat Betti, plenty of places around Chiangmai for that, and, with your being there for a purpose, would not be disturbed too much if you were practicing meditation.
As you have noted, it is only within the temples that sanity reigns.

[lenss]

Escape from Songkran? Why put on a raincoat and hide under the bed.!!

[Surawut]

Escape from Songkran? Why put on a raincoat and hide under the bed.!!

Leave the country for a week or so until the madness is over, like many Farangs *and* Thais do.

[Betti]

thanks for the ideas.


lenss, have you ever been to Chiang Mai during songkran?

[Richard Barrow]

I think you will find all the neighbouring countries celebrate Songkran with water fights, though maybe a little more subdued.

[Betti]

even Bangkok seems to be subdued compared to what's going on here
yes, I'm trying to find out about neighbouring countries - how irritating does it get out there. though I would guess planes are full anyway.

[Richard Barrow]

Scroll down on this page for a blog account of Luang Prabang:

http://www.sgtowns.com/journal/laos/luang_prabang/

and visit this blog for comparing with Burma:

http://contentdig.com/recreation-and...and-burma.html

[lenss]

Betti, just live it and enjoy the water flow. Fact is, ya got to be part of it. When you see a bunch of folks standing by a huge water barrel, diping into the barrel with their little bowls, just , jump off your bike, and join in. That's what I do. And its fun. I think you will smile and be happy ever after.

[Betti]

thanks Richard.

lenss, leave me alone.