Visiting Southeast Asia around the time of Water Festival can be the best or worst experience of a trip, depending on the place you choose. People in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar celebrate New Year in mid April , with the exact date usually depending on the lunar calendar. It is one of the most important holidays for the people in these countries. Timing a visit during Water Festival time is a good idea if you are aware of where to go.

Thailand: In urban areas, Thailand’s version of the Water Festival, called Songkran, is held at the same time every year (April 13-15). While visiting temples and making offerings to ancestors is part of the tradition, the tradition of throwing water and plaster has taken over as the main way to mark the new year. The tradition of water throwing has become more aggressive in spirit in recent years. Numerous traffic accidents, some fatal, are caused by buckets of water being thrown between cars and from the side of the road. Many expatriots in Thailand leave the country or stay in doors during the festival. In general, I recommend avoiding Thai New Year.

Cambodia: Cambodia’s New Year historically coincided with the end of harvest season. It is always held in mid April. Called, Chaul Chnam Thmey, in khmer, this celebration is marked by water throwing, though this tradition is quite a bit gentler in Cambodia than in its neighbor to the West. The celebrations for new year center around the temples (wats). The temples are cleaned, alms are given, and blessings bestowed. Visiting the temples, offers a chance to witness the depth and beauty of Khmer culture.

Laos: Generally a quiet country, Laotian cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane are alive with color and activity during Laotian New Year. Like Cambodia, the festival is marked by religious ceremony, and, of course, a giant water fight. Also, like their khmer neighbors, the Laotian tradition is is generally more reserved than Thailand’s. Luang Prabang’s temples, especially Vat Xieng Toung, are great places to watch the New Year’s proceedings. .

Myanmar: This beautiful country has suffered at the hands of a military government for the past decade and a half. Celebrations are decidedly more subdued than in thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Still, visiting temples in Yangon during Burmese New Year is a good chance to see the local color in this mostly closed and mysterious nation. Shwedagon Paya is the site of the country’s largest buddha statue. Pilgrims come year round to worship at the site, but it is especially colorful in mid-April, during New Year time.

Luang Prabang, Laos ancient capital and religious center is probably the best place to witness The Water Festival. The color, activity, and atmosphere of the city are, in my opinion, unmatched. Of course, those looking for wild fun can always head to Bangkok to engage in the annual water wars.