As eco friendly as we’d like to be, Songkran in Singapore just doesn’t cut it without the splashing good fun (that was originally a sign of respect). And frankly, there’s no better place to experience Thailand’s traditional New Year than, well, Thailand. Here are deals we’ve sussed out for an authentic celebration of our Southeast Asian neighbour’s most important – and most iconic – festival taking place 13-15 April 2014.
Bangkok
Say hello to the capital with the Songkran Splash package at Metropolitan by COMO, which includes a transfer to join in the festivities in Silom, 20% discount on dining and drinks, and a THB1,000 COMO Shambhala gift voucher! Prices start at THB4,500 for two in a City Room between 11-16 April.
W Bangkok
We love the Urban Splash package at the W Bangkok. THB7,500 gets you daily breakfast, in-room wifi, tickets for their Songkran Party at WET Deck with Thai street artist Alex Face on 13th April (worth THB700 each), and a confirmed upgrade to the Spectacular Room.
The folks at Four Seasons Bangkok are offering daily breakfast, a Songkran Survival Kit (plastic covers for valuables included, so no worries!), and access to the Executive Club with a stay of three nights or more. Prices start from THB7,000 for two in a Deluxe Room.
The Sukhothai Bangkok
For a dose of traditional Thai grandeur, stay at The Sukhothai Bangkok on South Sathorn Road. Their Songkran Escape package (available 12-20 April) is priced at THB5,500 per room – guests receive a THB1,000 hotel credit per stay, wifi access, as well as a Songkran Survival Kit that includes a water gun and a waterproof bag.
The 4-star Centre Point Hotel Silom Bangkok’s Songkran package keeps you drenched and your pocket happy. Starting at THB2,766 per night (till 30 April), the Songkran Package of this 4-star property features daily breakfast, free flow snacks and soft drinks, a Songkran Survival Kit, and a 1-day Chaophraya Express Boat Pass.
Phuket
The number one beach party destination in Thailand gets wilder as the infamous Soi Bangla and Patong Beach take on Songkran. Starting at an affordable THB3,499 nett for the Superior Room, the Songkran promo at Millennium Resort Patong Phuket includes daily breakfast, a Songkran Survival Kit, and transfers on their Millennium Songkran truck on the 13th to join in the festivities!
Point Yamu by COMO
Point Yamu by COMO is one resort we’d love to go back to. Besides the requisite street water splashing in Sapan Hin (water guns and transport provided), their Songkran Island Discovery Package includes a presentation of food to monks and a Buddha cleansing ceremony. Priced at THB12,000 for two in a Verandah Room between 11-16 April, it includes breakfast and THB5,555 credit per day for food, drinks, or spa treatments.
If you’re up for a peaceful Songkran, stay at the luxury Regent Phuket Cape Panwa. Their special Songkran offer (13-15 April) starts at THB6,800 per night, which includes daily breakfast, inclusive (non-alcoholic) mini-bar, wifi, and access to the Children’s Club. Want to indulge? The Pool Villa (at THB14,244 per night) scores you the 24-hour butler service, and access to the Regent Club (offering breakfast, coffee, tea, and evening cocktails).
Amari Phuket
Amari Phuket gets our vote for the most comprehensive package at just THB 4,465 per night (only 11-15 April) in the Superior Ocean Facing Room. The package includes breakfast, round-trip airport transfer, guaranteed late check-out till 4pm, a 60-minute Thai Massage at Breeze Spa, a Thai Set Dinner at Rim Talay, and more.
Chiang Mai
The northern city of Chiang Mai is notorious for their exciting and exuberant Songkran celebrations, so brace yourselves if you’re heading over there. dusitD2 Chiang Mai’s Songkran Splash package (valid till 30 April) entitles you to a 20% discount on their best rate, a 15% discount at all hotel restaurants, daily breakfast, in-room wifi access, and Songkran Survival Kits.
Four Seasons Chiang Mai
On top of the survival kits, the lavish Four Seasons Chiang Mai is offering a water chakra blessing for two at the spa, a set dinner for two at Sala Mae Rim, and daily breakfast in their Songkran package. Prices start at THB21,490 per night for the gorgeous Garden Pavilion that sleeps 3 adults.
The Songkran Special at Anantara Chiang Mai from 13-16 April comes with breakfast, round-trip airport transfers, a special three course Khan Toke Northern Thai luncheon with a Thai herbal drink, a Songkran festival city tour by private convertible tuk-tuk (driver included!) and water guns, plus 15% off on a la carte spa treatments and food & beverages. Prices start at THB8,500 per night for a Deluxe Room.
The Balcony Village Chiang Mai
Inspired by the local hill tribes, The Balcony Village Chiang Mai makes a great affordable cultural getaway with their Songkran Festival package, valid 12-16 April. Their 3D2N programme, at THB11,500 for 2, includes dinner at Khum Khantoke with a Lanna dance show, local market visit, presentation of food to Buddhist monks to make merit, breakfast, and round-trip hotel transfers.
Top Image: JJ Harrison