Thainess flows through a Water Festival

BANGKOK  A more traditional way to celebrate Songkhran this year is being promoted the Ministry of Culture, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and private sector partner Thai Beverage Public Company Limited
Songkhran is celebrated, 13 to 15 April, nationwide, but the “Water Festival 2015” will focus on activities at four temples in Bangkok; Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Kalayanamitr and Wat Prayunwongsawat.
According TAT’s deputy governor for marketing communications, Sugree Sithivanich, participants will be able to experience community life and cultural heritage while dining at famous restaurants at Maharaj Pier and visiting one of the biggest flower markets in Asia.
They will be go back in time to the “70’s Colour & Disco”, enjoy entertainment and games in an old traditional style as well as be entertained with “Songkran… Dee Dee” on stage showcasing concerts of famous Thai entertainers at Asiatique The Riverfront.
Inside no.5Songkhran this year will be held Monday 13 April to Wednesday 15, April, but in some towns the celebration extends for the entire week. The long holiday begins on Saturday 11 April and covers a five-day holiday.
But this year, TAT is promoting the “Water Festival” in seven places along the Chao Phraya River in a bid to focus more on the traditional aspects that can be linked to the Discover Thainess campaign.
There are seven sites close to riverside piers in the programme that are served by a boat shuttle to make it easy for visitors to move from one location to another. They reflect traditional values or cultural aspects or are close to famous temples where a traditional Songkhran plays out.
A free shuttle boat service will be provided from 0900 to midnight linking the seven piers along the Chao Phraya River:
Tha Tien Pier (Wat Pho);
Yodpiman River Walk Pier;
Maharaj Pier;
Asiatique The Riverfront Pier;
Wat Arun Pier;
Wat Kalayanamitr Pier;
Wat Prayunwongsawat Pier.
TAT said the objective of this event is to present Thainess and highlight the traditional values and aspects of the popular Songkhran Festival by welcoming the Thai New Year, cruising along the Chao Phraya River, visiting major temples and enjoying various attractions such as a stop at the Pak Khlong Talat, one of the biggest flower markets in Asia.
Visitors can take part in a traditional water pouring ceremony and enjoy a long-drum parade. The trip ends at Asiatique where there are popular concerts and entertainment to welcome the New Year.
Free Shuttle Boat Service
Morning Route: 0900 to 1800.
Route 1: The boats leave every 30 minutes.
Asiatique The Riverfront > Sathorn > Yodpiman River Walk.
Route 2: The boats leave every 15 minutes.
Yodpiman River Walk > Tha Tien Pier (Wat Pho) > Maharaj Pier > Wat Arun > Wat Kalayanamitr > Wat Prayunwongsawat.
Evening Route: 1600 to 2400
The boats leave every 20 minutes.
Asiatique The Riverfront > Sathorn > Maharaj Pier

sourced:ttrweekly.com