Songkran (Water Festival) 2012 Phuket

We went to a short trip to Phuket recently (12th April to 15th April 2012) and it coincides with the Songkran festival in Thailand. This blog post documents the first day of Songkran (12th April 2012) and the location is along Thanon Ratuthit Songroipi. Going out during Songkran means getting wet but I still have to, as I still need to get lunch!

Along Thanon Ratuthit Songroipi, it’s really packed with vehicles. Do note the water all over the roads and it’s not because of the rain. It’s all man-made! Errm.. splash 🙂

Timing is around 2 pm and the fun is only beginning!

A few young ladies posing for the photos. Warm and friendly folks but that didn’t stop them from shooting me with water!

Walking through, note the guy with the white bucket, he dumped me with all of it! And that’s ice water! Burrr….Hahaha!

More ladies posing along the way to my destination, Jungceylon Shopping Mall.

Parties, music, booze and water! What more do you want? LOL

Well, that’s the scene at Bangla Road, famous for it’s nightlife and popular spot for nightclubs, go go bars, ice bar and beer bars. Is that a fire engine in the photo? It looks too havoc and I didn’t go in as it wasn’t the direction I’m heading to! Going through Bangla Road will lead you to Patong Beach.

Finally reached Jungceylon and not sure why but I always have the impression that things is going to be milder here….hell no! It’s like a mini-disco and the party’s hot!

Getting a bit more towards the crowd and was bombarded with water guns!

Check out the video for the wild scene at Jungceylon!

Got through the mob and went to the other side of Jungceylon, where things are much quieter but still can hear the distant music!

The scene beyong Jungceylon is not so wild! I guess the action stops at Jungceylon….but might not be the case as I didn’t walk any further.

War time! Busy shooting each other and I’m just waiting for the correct time to pass by without getting caught in the fire!

Walked back to Jungceylon to get lunch and the crowd is as still psych up as before. If you are thinking why that’s so much water around… look below for answer.

Well, they basically use a fire hose! That’s so awesome! LOL

Going back to my mission of buying lunch in Jungceylong shopping mall. Looking for Fuji Japanese Restaurant, one of our favourite food chain in Thailand.

More food and fun in Jungceylon but I’ll come back another day to explore.

Jungceylon Water Fountain Show, happening daily at 7pm and 9pm. The plan is to eat dinner and watch the show! Not today…

Some nice decorations at Jungceylon.

Walking back to resort is slow as I still get shot with water. Plus, this time round I have to protect the food, which I have also asked the restaurant to provide more protection. But basically, what I did was holding the food above my head, of course it comes with stares from some people, which I told them politely “It’s food!”. LOL

If you feel hungry after all the water fight, there are still food stalls around to have a quick bite to regain energy for next battle!

Fried Chicken, anyone? The Songkran celebrants usually leave stall owners alone so that they can still get on with their business.

Crowd at Tiger Inn Phuket = Happening!

Look here to see why!

By the time I got back to the resort, I was already soaked, dried and then soaked again! But at least the food is safe! Hahaha!

If you are curious about the white stuff on the face, that’s talcum powder, flour, or rice powder that is used by Songkran celebrants to smear all over your face, hair, arms and back ! I believe it’s said to protect you from evil!

Another thing, if you are curious about how my camera survived during the water fights, I’m using DiCAPac WP-610 Waterproof Case for LX3.

Looking forward to the next Songkran!