Virtual Tour: Silom Road Songkran – Bangkok
For the full experience of Songkran 2024 via Silom Road without interruption or commentary, please feel free to watch my virtual tour and remember to give it a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you haven’t already, it really helps the channel grow. Jostling, jumping, dancing and getting really really wet is the essence of this virtual tour.
Into the Heart of Songkran in Bangkok
It’s hard to envision the slow evolution of Songkran; the Thai New Year which once consisted of pouring water gently over the hands of monks, washing away the sins of the previous year, to the multi-day and night, EDM-fuel, nationwide party.
At Silom, the pulse of the festivities in Bangkok, a cascade of waterfalls, raining down from the concrete steps of Silom station begin early in the afternoon and continue well into the next day.
Whatever You Do, Don’t Try to Get There by Car
In honor of the Thai New Year, the city of Bangkok shutdowns the corporate suits on Silom in favor of palm tree-patterned beach shirts, California-inspired board shorts and the occasional leather-bounded dog mask.
All of these colorful characters did not arrive at Silom via taxi or car, instead opting for the convenience and sustainability of public transportation. Unless you want to watch hordes of people heading to Songkran, whilst you sit in the back, cramped up with your buddy in a taxi, as the sun begins to set, purchase a 1-day pass for 120 baht and head to Si Lom MRT Station.
A Tale of Two Festivities
The experience of Songkran on Silom Road is a tale of two worlds, metaphorically and tangibly. But if they have commonality, it is that both worlds exude an atmosphere of positivity and acceptance. There is no judgement on Silom Road. With that said, one side of the road was dedicated to a traditional display of Thai performances, while the other side was fueled by EDM and a bevy of cocktails.
Both sides were safe, welcoming and in general a really positive experience. In comparison to other parts of the city, where the lads are six-deep into the Changs, which should be a light-hearted display of hydrodynamic dispersion quickly devolves into a Class-3 Assault Felony, completely concordant with the tenants of modern Buddhism.
Plastic Bags and Plenty of Change
I mentioned in my last post of Songkran that it is absolutely necessary to bring a lot of plastic bags to protect your electronics and valuables. As expected, the plastic bags came in handy for protecting my wallet and vulnerable electronics. However, what I was not expecting was the amount of times I would have to stop to refill my water gun.
You will discover, especially if you opt for the quick-fire, compact projectable like myself, that you will quickly be depleted of H20. Along Silom are a multitude of stations for you to refill your weapon of choice, but like running out of ammunition in the middle of a battlefield, it can be challenging to get to your wallet or purse, plus the added risk of your valuables (credit cards, paper cash) being soaked through.
I learned the hard way, so you don’t have to. Break a 100 baht bill into ten 10-baht coins, and put them in your pocket, or somewhere easily accessible. Most stations on Silom Road charge anywhere between 5 – 10 baht for a refill and I found that just putting this loose change in my pocket saved me the headache and risk of opening up my wallet under a hail of hydro.
And Now a Final Thought
Of the four Songkran experiences I have had over the course of my stay in Thailand, my experience on Silom Road was the most emblematic of the festival’s spirit. There was a feeling of collective friendship, love and acceptance. There was no aggression, no melees, and overall the whole night was a celebration of friendship and peace, which to me, embodies the core philosophy of the holiday.
Thailand Walks 