Songkran Do's and Don't:

Songkran is coming up soon in Thailand and everyone is buzzing with excitement. Songkran is a festival that is widely celebrated in Thailand where families reunite, annual house-cleaning and temple visits are done. The most famous aspect about this festival is that people splash others with water as a form of blessing. This has something to do with the origin of the gesture of humility and asking of blessings as fragrant water is poured on the hands of the elderly and Buddha statues at temples and at homes.

Another meaning behind the gesture, is that water is splashed on the other person in order to cleanse the body of any misfortunes of the past year and allow a fresh start to the new year. For those who have yet to experience Songkran, do be careful if you're travelling to Thailand somewhere before, between and after the 13^th to 15^th of April; as you may get drenched while walking out on the streets. Here are a couple of do's and don't when in Thailand during the Songkran festival.

DO's:

. Bring waterproof bags to store valuables

. Keep a close eye on personal belongings

. Prepare to get drenched or doused

. Bring an extra set of clothes for changing – in any case one gets wet

. Wish the locals a great new year with the phrase - “Sawasdee Pee Mai”

. Smile and have fun

. Do give alms and make merit (or just enjoy the festival if you're not a Buddhist)

. Be aware that traffic may be on a standstill due to the festivities

DON'Ts:

. Do not drive after drinking – Songkran is a celebration and people do tend to drink so do not expect every person to have the most polite of manners as not everyone can withstand that when they're drunk.

. Do not throw ice or dirty water – this is extremely rude

. Do not throw water at motorcyclists – prevent accidents from happening

. Do not splash water on any monks, babies or the elderly.

. Do not wear clothes that are too revealing – after getting wet, the clothes will expose everything so do dress conservatively to prevent embarrassing moments

With that said, we hope everyone who are going to Thailand to have plenty of fun and experience the Thai culture as much as possible. Till next time, Safe travels everyone!!