Songkran at TLG
During Songkran, people travel across the globe to spend time with their family and friends and immerse themselves in water fights and street parties that last nearly a whole week! ‘Water fights for nearly a whole week?’ we hear you say… Well Songkran is also known as The Water Festival which is to celebrate water as a ritual of cleansing the soul and washing away negativity from the past year, so we suppose there is a meaningful explanation as to why the water guns are out!
The traditional festival took place between Saturday 13th and Monday 15th April this year. It’s a national holiday in Thailand that marks the beginning of the new year. The word ‘Songkran’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘saṃkrānti’ meaning transformation or change. It derives from the movement of the sun from one position to another in the zodiac. According to its literal meaning in Sanskrit, a Songkran occurs every month. However, the period that Thai people refer to as Songkran happens when the sun moves from Pisces to Aries in the zodiac.
With Thai New Year being one of the biggest celebrations within the Thai culture we wanted to spread the love with our Chaophraya guests by giving a lucky entrée the chance to win a holiday they’ll never forget, for all the right reasons!
In past years, we have always focused on this in the month of April. With much of our team here at Chaophraya being nationally Thai, we take a lot of pride in ensuring we boast a celebration over the weekend that this national holiday falls. This year was no exception, we have gone above and beyond to make sure this year is the most memorable of all. Afterall, we are an authentic Thai restaurant so what can be more authentic going to see Thailand itself? We partnered with Destinology – Luxury Holidays and Anantara Hotels & Spas to give our guests the opportunity to win a holiday of a lifetime. This was a nine night stay in Thailand to explore the bustling streets of Bangkok, the Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai and the infamous strip in Phuket, not forgetting the unbelievable beaches and authentic Thai cuisine! We know you’re already jealous, but you may as well read on…
The first two nights at the Anantara Riverside, Bangkok involve rising with the city, enjoying breakfast by the riverside and exploring the cities hidden gems. Located on the west bank of the Chaophraya river amidst 11 acres of greenery, the resort offers urban serenity twinned with authentic discoveries. Bangkok city is only a shuttle boat away which means you can enjoy the sunrise in peace and quite but ride across the river to soak in the unforgettable Thai night life right in the capital.
The next three nights at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, which is located on the banks of the Mae Ping River, opens the door to a world of adventure and discovery. With the options to explore the temple-filled old city, Lanna heritage, artisan villages and mountain hill tribes there is plenty to involve yourself in. Or, if soaking up some of the Thai sun sounds more like you then relax on the balcony daybeds or at the adults-only pool as well as delving into local culture with healing spa therapies and cooking class adventures.
The last four nights at the Anantara Layan Resort, Phuket invites you to retreat to an island paradise where lush hillside overlooks powdery beach. Here, you’re welcomed to engage or unwind at one the finest luxury hotels in Phuket. You can feast in a cliffside chapel overlooking the ocean, master the art of Muay Thai or submit to healing massages at the spa.
Whatever you’re looking for in a holiday, Thailand is the place to be. If we haven’t sold you on it yet, then look out for our Chaophraya competition next year to see what we have in store!
