Anyone have an idea what the official dates are? The festival seems to start "unofficially" earlier with each passing year, but wondered if anyone near the action knew the official dates... there are bound to be people asking pretty soon, so I figured we could just send them in the direction of this post

the official dates are the 12th - 15th april I am pretty sure - BUT its the passion for this festival by the Thais that gets its started early and ending late - in Chaing Mai it lasts at least a week

in 2010 the 12th is a monday so expect it to start on the 9th - friday night - and why stop on a thursday with only two days to go to the weekend - its Thai time guys

bring your plastic waterproof hang round the neck thingies for mobiles and paper money - you have been warned

If you think getting buckets of filthy klong water thrown in your face and walking around in soaking wet clothes for 2 or 3 or more days is fun then go to Thailand at Songkran.

I've decided not to make my usual annual trip back to Perth at Xmas/NY and instead will go in April 2010, so I'll be out of Thailand during Songkran.

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The Truly Wise Man Never Plays Leapfrog With A Unicorn

Soi Khoa San and Silom would be a good place to hangout during that time.

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A wife and two kids. Need a family vacation!!!

Thanks Phil for the Songkran 2010 dates. Personally I have mixed feelings about experiencing another Songkran. I was unprepared the first time and had my wallet and passport soaked about 5 minutes after leaving my guesthouse :( My banknote collection around the world was stained black as a result, and my passport photo eventually "lifted" (it was already crappy) and delayed me from entering the states whilst I got a new one in New Zealand. I think alcohol and water only mix when the latter is used for rehydration to prevent a hangover! Having said that, I did enjoy my one and only Songkran in Chiang Mai. If you do things sensibly (like not throwing water over motorcyclists or elderly Thais ) then it can be a fun festival. As with many things, the few spoil it for the many.

Regardless... have a good Songkran 2010, whoever is going! Let us know here if you're one of them!

Yes, you hit the nail on the head Steve - "I did enjoy my one and only Songkran" The first time is mind-blowing, none of us have ever seen anything like it before. 2nd time OK, 3rd time it's starting to wear off, after that it gives you the screaming woops (that's Aussie slang)
At the end of every Songkran you have to add up the toll & cost - the many lost lifes, the numerous people crippled for life from accidents, the thousands who are treated for eye & ear infections from contaiminated water, and the millions of baht of damaged personal property.
However, the solution is very simple. Hold the festivities at the municipal parks and designated areas only, so those who have no interest can stay away.

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The Truly Wise Man Never Plays Leapfrog With A Unicorn

It doesn't sound like much fun to me especially the ear & eye infection part!
We will be in Kata when Songkran is on. What are the chances of being half drowned when we go into town to eat? It may be best to take the hotel car and wind the windows up. Do they throw water on you when you are sitting in outdoor restaurant areas?
Just a thought as we may have friends with us who have children and I would hate for their holiday to be ruined if their kids get sick.
I wouldn't mind if the water was clean and we were on the beach but the thought of getting dressed up and going out, only to be soaked, along with getting watches etc wet doesn't have any appeal at all.

Cars can only move at a snails pace and you will get drenched wherever you are. The roads are very dangerous. I am glad that I have experienced it but it can be a bit hairy.
The worst culprits for drenching you are the farang!

Whatever you do put money etc in a plastic bag, leave your watch, phone camera in the hotel room I would not bother with the dressing up.

I would not advise anyone to try to travel on the main day as you just don't get anywhere.

all around you will be water and people with big water cannon guns on the back of pick ups there is also the white "flour" that they throw with it.

We witnessed some Thai lad on the beach nearly drowning he was so drunk if it had not been for a number of tourist he would have.

a lot of the Thais are on holiday and they are drunk very early. There is of course the other side where whole families are out together.

worth experiencing but take precautions.

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

If it was just one day it wouldn't be so bad, but wherever I am it always seems to be 3-5 days. The absurd part of Songkran is when you consider the beautiful, gentle origin - bathing hands with scented water - and then see how it had deteriorated. Nobody has any right to run up to a total stranger and toss a bucket of water in their face.

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The Truly Wise Man Never Plays Leapfrog With A Unicorn