The Songkran Festival

 

The people of Bangkok take every opportunity to celebrate life and have a number of festivals throughout the year. The Songkran festival is the most famous example of this. The term Songkran comes from the Sanskrit language and literally means ‘astrological passage’. The significance of this festival is that it celebrates the Thai New Year. It is celebrated throughout the nation beginning on April 13 and concluding on April 15 after three days of jubilant celebration. Such is the magic of the Songkran festival that it is also celebrated in Laos, Cambodia and Burma though Thailand and in particular, Bangkok, plays host to the most memorable celebrations annually.

If you happen to be in Bangkok during the Songkran, we hope that you don’t mind getting wet because the throwing of water is the chief method of celebration. Of course, tourists are likely to revel in the soothing relief of water because Bangkok is extremely warm in April. The public see Songkran as a time of cleaning which means old and useless possessions must be disposed of lest they bring misfortune to their owner.

History of Bangkok

Although the precise date of Bangkok’s existence is unknown, it is said to have been formed in the 15th century. At this time, it was part of the Siamese kingdom known as Ayutthaya which was created in 1350 and lasted until 1767. Bangkok quickly grew in stature because of its close proximity to the Chao Phraya River.

The Ayutthaya Empire fell when Burmese forces defeated it. Phraya Tak was the strongest Burmese general and he declared himself king. In 1768, he made Bangkok his empire’s capital though the region was known as Thonburi at that time. He became known as King Taksin but was to be overthrown in 1782 by the general Chao Phraya Chakri. The city of Bangkok was formally created on 21 April of that year when it became known as Rattanakosin.

Since the late 18th century, the majority of Bangkok’s history has been dominated by the creation of new Buddhist temples and the renovation of old ones. This is because the ruling King of Thailand has a divine responsibility to keep the Buddhist religion alive. Bangkok was almost unknown to foreign visitors until the middle of the 19th century when North American and European traders and missionaries arrived. The city became more modernized by the end of the 19th century with city roads, tramways and a railway line created.

Praya Palazzo Riverside Hotel Bangkok

Praya Palazzo riverside hotel Bangkok is a stylish 17-room mansion recently renovated into a luxury Bangkok boutique hotel. Praya Palazzo has a rich historical background that offers a unique experience for the discerning travelers. Dating back to the ancient kingdom of Siam, the mansion is situated in the heart of Bangkok on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, one of the most significant rivers in Thailand.

Ideal for travelers who want to relax while enjoying city life in the oldest part of Bangkok and staying in a unique boutique hotel, Praya Palazzo is in walking distance to many historical sites and attractions such as The Grand Palace, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Chinatown, The National Museum, and Kao San Road just to name a few. Praya Palazzo brings back the sense and lifestyle of the King Rama V period, conveying authentic Thai culture through vision, taste, scent, rhyme and touch.