Songkran: Yes - No?

[HuntingTigers]

I'm finally getting things sorted for my 2nd visit to Thailand, principally to Hua Hin. Whilst my dates are fairly flexible it will have to be in the time 'window' of April / May 2010. I shall be staying in the LOS for 28 days.

I seek the forum's opinions and advice as to whether I should arrive early April and experience 'the Songkran festivities', [which I understand are 13th - 15th April 2010 in Hua Hin], or would it be more prudent to delay my arrival?

I am a 60+ year old white English male. I shall be travelling alone. I've been around the block a few times and I know just how 'energised and excitable' local festivities can be. I've been told by friends in Thailand that Bangkok is quiet at this time because everyone has gone to visit their families - however, the same friends have told me don't go anywhere near the Kao San road area as it is mayhem.

What are the Songkran celebrations like in Hua Hin? Is it great fun and everyone enjoys or is it stay off the streets at all costs? Am I right in thinking that accommodation / bar and food prices rocket during the festival?

The converse is that if I arrive after Songran will I be a 'farang' sat by himself in an empty bar because all the girls are away visiting their families and the bars are berefit of pool players?

HuntingTigers

[Big Boy]

HT,

It's a great fun event, which normally starts about 6 in the evening and goes on until about 6 the following evening in Hua Hin. However, the fun does continue in small pockets scattered around the town.

During the 24 hour mad period, expect to be soaked to the skin. Carry wallet, mobile fun securely wrapped in several layers of plastic bags.

Should you go or not? Only you can say - you do say you're getting on a bit . How is your health? Could your heart for instance stand a bucket of ice cold water being thrown at you from behind? Or might it kill you? Do you consider walking around soaked to the skin for 24 hours fun?

One other relevant point is 2 days after Songkran, you will be Mr Lonely - the town becomes devoid of Farangs.

Personally, I'm planning in the back of mind to be there.

[PeteC]

BB, I've got a real bad connection where I am and can't search well. I think we have photos and previous threads on here about Songkran past? Pete

[HuntingTigers]

Hmm... BB, that sounds pretty damn good to me. BB quote, "you do say you're getting on a bit" - er hang on BB, 60+ doesn't mean I'm a member of the walking dead - far from it . Yeah, sure thing I'm not that in too good health and my medical insurance premiums reflect that.

BB quote, "Could your heart for instance stand a bucket of ice cold water being thrown at you from behind?" It isn't my heart that's the problem BB, it is other medical issues.

BB quote, "Do you consider walking around soaked to the skin for 24 hours fun?". Have you ever been to the lake district BB? We call it, 'Langdale Sunshine' from our neck of the woods. I live in Bolton, North Manchester, it is always pouring down!

BB quote, "One other relevant point is 2 days after Songkran, you will be Mr Lonely - the town becomes devoid of Farangs". Does that mean all the bars are devoid of 'les girls'?

BB quote, "Personally, I'm planning in the back of mind to be there". Well give me a time / date and a bar name in Hua Hinand I'll try and be there to share a beer or two with you.

HT.

[Big Boy]

BB, I've got a real bad connection where I am and can't search well. I think we have photos and previous threads on here about Songkran past? Pete

http://www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/hu ... t8886.html

[HuntingTigers]

BB, I've got a real bad connection where I am and can't search well. I think we have photos and previous threads on here about Songkran past? Pete

You must be posting from Thailand I suspect. Just post the link please.

HT.

[Big Boy]

BB quote, "One other relevant point is 2 days after Songkran, you will be Mr Lonely - the town becomes devoid of Farangs". Does that mean all the bars are devoid of 'les girls'? No, plenty of girls, but because business is slow, they won't necessarily be as active as you might expect

BB quote, "Personally, I'm planning in the back of mind to be there". Well give me a time / date and a bar name in Hua Hinand I'll try and be there to share a beer or two with you.Unfortunately, it's still a dream at the moment.

[Big Boy]

BB, I've got a real bad connection where I am and can't search well. I think we have photos and previous threads on here about Songkran past? Pete

You must be posting from Thailand I suspect. Just post the link please.

HT.

I did.

[HuntingTigers]

BB, I've got a real bad connection where I am and can't search well. I think we have photos and previous threads on here about Songkran past? Pete

You must be posting from Thailand I suspect. Just post the link please.

HT.

I did.

There is for some reason a delay in your transmission being received here in the UK - anyway I've got it now. HT.

[Big Boy]

I'm only 200 miles down the M6/M5 away

[HuntingTigers]

Yeah, I've just gathered that. I was confusing you with the reply from prcscct whom I believed was in Thailand.

I think on balance due to the feedback, especially the photos, I shall as my ex used to say, "risk it for a biscuit". If the 'action' gets too hot for my tender heart then I can always retreat back to my hotel room.

Oh, just one thing, what did you mean by, "No, plenty of girls, but because business is slow, they won't necessarily be as active as you might expect"?

HuntingTigers

[Big Boy]

Oh, just one thing, what did you mean by, "No, plenty of girls, but because business is slow, they won't necessarily be as active as you might expect"

This period is the girls' lull after the storm. They'll have just been 'working' hard through the high season, and most will have made plenty of money. You might find that a lot are more interested in a plate of somtam than taking care of you.

[HuntingTigers]

... most will have made plenty of money. You might find that a lot are more interested in a plate of somtam than taking care of you.

Please excuse my ignorance... but what is 'somtam'?

HuntingTigers

[Big Boy]

Dynamite - aka Papaya Salad

[HuntingTigers]

Please excuse my ignorance... but what is 'somtam'?

Dynamite - aka Papaya Salad

Got it about the 'somtam' thing. I think I'll probably avoid that 'delicacy'.

Nevertheless, given 'les girls' hard working during the season, as you so aptly describe it, do you think they are still up for a game of pool and a couple of drinks from a 'stranger in a foreign land'? HT.