One of the high spots of the Thai calendar is the annual New Year celebration, or Songkran, which falls on or around April 13, when the sun moves into Aries, and lasts for three days or more. The word 'Songkran' originates from the Sanskrit meaning 'beginning of the solar year'. The holiday-loving Thais therefore get to celebrate New Year three times each year: the Western New Year on January 1, the Chinese New Year in January or February and the Thai New Year in April.
Traditionally, Thais visit temples at this time of year to offer food to the monks and to participate in bathing ceremonies for Buddha images. At home, young people pour scented water into the hands of their parents and elders as a mark of respect and to receive the blessing of the older folk. These days, Songkran has turned into a water-throwing funfest, in which anyone and everyone is liable to get thoroughly drenched-a blessed relief in this, the hottest season of the year.
The water-throwing custom have come from the mythical belief that sea serpents or 'naga' bring on the rains by spouting water from the sea. Water throwing may therefore have been a rainmaking custom to guarantee ample water for next year's crops.
A full day of fun, custom, ceremony and the more modern option of water throwing awaits those who are staying at Evason Resort & Spa Hua Hin and Six Senses Hideaway Resort Hua Hin over Thai New Year in April this year. Early morning start for merit-making Tam Boon Tak Bart with monks from a local temple ensures the right note is found from the start. The Rites of Songkran and other ceremonial activities including a loud and colourful parade of the Lord Buddha’s image. Dancing and the optional water ‘activities’ (or throwing water on each other for awhile) take us closer to the evening fun which is the Thai Temple Fair Gala Dinner featuring Executive Chef Andrew Mann’s wonderful live station buffet involving the cuisine of all regions of Thailand with entertainment being hugely varied and enjoyable and, of course, both traditional and Thai.

For bookings contact the Food & Beverage Office on +66 (0)32 632111