Often referred to as the world’s wildest and wettest festival, Songkran, aka Thai New Year, falls on the week surrounding April 13-14 every year and is celebrated like never before in all corners of Thailand.
But apart from the famously fun-filled water fights that tourists invariably love to be a part of, Songkran is also a time of reflection and ritual. Thais use the holiday as an opportunity to catch up on loved ones, especially elderly relatives, and families will also look to make merit at lavishly decorated Buddhist temples.
There are few festivals in the world more colorful or more cultural, and this theme is illuminated at several luxury hotels in Thailand this year with traditional performances, New Year blessings, and of course some extraordinary dining experiences to mark the occasion.
Sawasdee pee mai! (Happy New Year)
Celebrate Songkran in Koh Samui
A kaleidoscope of events and activities will mark the entire week of Thai New Year 2024 at Banyan Tree Samui, a spectacular beachfront on the island of Koh Samui, starting with Floating Market Breakfast Specials on April 12 & 13 at The Edge restaurant, which is perched high above the resort, offering photogenic views of the sea beyond. Then, on the beachfront Sands Restaurant, the hotel will host a Songkran Street Market BBQ on the evening of April 13 (7pm – 10pm) which will also feature live music, a traditional Thai bamboo show, and a spectacular fire show. Meanwhile, at the resort’s award-winning Thai fine dining venue, Saffron, a sophisticated “Songkran Royale Thai Set Menu” will be available every evening from April 10- 16 (THB 2,600-net. per person, THB 3,400 with wine pairing). For reservations or more information, contact +66 077 915 333 or email [email protected]
Indulge in a Culinary Carnaval in Krabi
For one night only, on Saturday April 13, beachfront resort Banyan Tree Krabi will unveil a Thai New Year feast for guests and no-guests alike at the 5-star hotel’s Naga Kitchen restaurant. For 2,950THB per person (children 4-12 half price), an unlimited buffet and barbecue will be presented with a bewildering selection of culinary delights,such as a a Smoked Fish Live Station offering Gravlax Barracuda, Thai spicy “laab” black king fish, and Vodka & Beetroot Salmon, among other tantalizing seafood treats. Meanwhile a live barbecue station will sizzle up Krabi Lobster, grilled butter squid, king tiger prawns, and much more. There will also be a Carving Station with Wagyu prime ribs, crackling pork belly, and stuffed Italian sausage, an organic salad bar, a dessert corner, a range of local Southern Thai cuisine favorites, and a complimentary welcome drink. For reservations or more information, contact +66 075 811 888 or email [email protected]
Sky-high Songkran Dinner in Chiang Mai
Meliá Chiang Mai will host a four-course set dinner called “Songkran Culinary Delight” at its signature 21st floor restaurant Mai Restaurant & Bar on April 13 and 14 to mark the Thai New Year. Appetizer Koa Kaab Hor Goong, comprising chilled prawns wrapped in rice paper, ginger candies and garden herbs, is followed by Makreau Thed Consommé, a soup with tomato consommé, cage-free egg royale and wheats. The main course is a choice of either Moo Makwaen, made up of grilled wild pepper spiced Kurobuta pork chop with San Pathong sticky rice and seasonal vegetables, or Aab Tong Pla Salmon, Laan Na style Salmon belly in banana leaf, curry sauce, potato and sweet basil. Pudding Lum Yai, a warm longan pudding with chemical-free longan and coconut ice cream, rounds off the dinner. Priced at THB 1300 net per person, the four-course dinner is available from 6-10pm. For reservations, please contact +66 (0) 52 090 603 or email [email protected]
Exclusive Songkran Stay Packages Around Thailand
Fusion Suites Phuket Patong, one of southern Thailand’s newest luxury resorts, has launched a special “Beat the Heat” stay package for Songkran. The offer includes a Grand Deluxe Jacuzzi Room for two persons, breakfast, a cocktail bucket, a crispy spicy fried chicken meal, and a 45-minute spa treatment, priced at 4,599 baht per night. GLOW Hotels has also unveiled exclusive stay packages at their hip, modern properties around Thailand, including GLOW Mira Karon Beach in Phuket (priced at 2,699 baht), GLOW Ao Nang Krabi (1,999 baht) and GLOW Pattaya (2,059 baht). The offer includes room for two people, breakfast, drink bucket and food. All offers must be booked between April 1-20 for stays between April 12-20. Visit https://fusion-suites.com/phuketpatong/ or https://home.glowhotels.com/ for more information.
Properties in Bangkok and Phuket make a culinary splash for Songkran
Montara Hospitality Group, the proprietors of Trisara and Praya Palazzo, are set to bring splashes of excitement to Phuket and Bangkok with special Songkran events. On Saturday, April 13th, from 18:30 to 22:00, Trisara will host a “Songkran on the Beach” event. Guests can delight in a Thai barbecue buffet featuring premium seafood and classic Thai dishes, complemented by live cooking stations. There will also be traditional Thai dance and live music performances. The event is priced at THB 3,900++ per person. On Sunday, April 14th, and Monday, April 15th, there will be live Khim music performances from 18:30 to 20:30 at Trisara’s Seafood at Trisara SaT restaurant. In Bangkok, Praya Palazzo celebrates Songkran with a “Samrap Praya” set menu for four people, available for lunch and dinner at its Praya Dining restaurant from April 13th to 16th at THB 4,900 net.
