Happy New Year 2011!

Although Thailand now uses the western calendar, traditionally Thai New Year, known as Songkran,
falls on 13,14 & 15 April annually. It is celebrated across the country with a mix of tradition and manic
water throwing. Koh Chang is no exception. On these days you will see tourists out celebrating the
holiday and the island will be welcoming thousands of visitors from elsewhere in Thailand and abroad.

However, as this is a very busy period for locals and hotels, Koh Chang’s official Songkran
celebrations won’t take place until the 22-23 April. This is a great idea as it allows the local
community and workers on the island a chance to enjoy themselves and celebrate New Year, albeit
belatedly. In addition, it sets Koh Chang apart from other islands and the event is quickly becoming
one of the highlights of the year on Koh Chang.

The 'must see' event for any visitors to the island will undoubtedly the parade of floats that will make
its way from White Sand beach to the southern end of Klong Prao beach on the the morning of 23
April. Hotels and businesses sponsor and decorate themed floats and this year the theme is reducing
global warming. The route will be lined with people cheering and hurling water as the parade passes.

The Trat Tourism Association has organised this two day celebration in order to stimulate the local
economy and travel in Trat province after the national Songkran holiday has finished; promote tourism
on Koh Chang; raise awareness of the importance of protecting the island’s environment; and
showcase some of the traditional Songkran activities and local crafts that are in danger of dying out.

The celebrations kick off at 0730 on 22 April with the offering of alms to local monks. During the day
an exhibition on this history of the island will be held and a fair will be held in Klong Prao where local
food and souvenir vendors will ply their wares. After dark, there will be live music for visitors to
enjoy.

The parade will begin at 0900 on 23 April and will snake its way down from White Sand Beach to the
far southern end of Klong Prao beach. Various categories of prizes will be awarded for the best
decorated floats. In the evening a traditional ’Rad Nam Dum Hua’ ceremony will be performed. This
is the original Songkran celebration in which families and villagers gently pour water on the hands of
their elders and in return for a blessing. There will also be demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as
making Thai snacks, products made from coconut and woven hats and basketware. Plus of course Thai
dancing shows and live music – both traditional and modern.

If you haven’t yet made plans for 22-23 April, this is a great way to spend the weekend. Hope to see
you there!