Songkran: three days of water

สงกรานต์, 13–15 April, is the Thai New Year and the biggest holiday of the year. It began gently: families pour scented water over the hands of their elders (รดน้ำดำหัว) and over Buddha images to wash away the old year and receive blessings, and many still start the day that way. The street version is a three-day water fight: if you are outside, you will get wet, from water guns, buckets and pickup trucks. Someone may dab white powder paste on your cheeks; it is a blessing, so smile. Good manners: splash gently, and leave monks, elderly people and babies dry. Put your phone in a waterproof pouch, avoid riding a motorbike, and expect Bangkok to empty as people go home. Some cities, like Chiang Mai, play for longer.