Thailand's most celebrated festival is the Songkran Festival. It starts April 13 and lasts between 3 and 10 days, depending on where you are in Thailand. The word Songkran is from the Sanskrit meaning the beginning of a new Solar Year, but nowadays Thailand celebrates the New Year on December 31st.

As far as tourists are concerned, Songkran is simply a grand water fight! The Thai people celebrate this festival with water. Everyone gets soaking wet and since it is the hottest season of the year, nobody seems to mind. If you are looking for a fun time to be in Thailand, then this is it!

Songkran is also a day for spring cleaning. The religious belief holds that anything old and useless must be thrown away or it will bring bad luck to the owner.

In some northern rural areas, fireworks are set off to chase away ghosts. Candles are lit and piles of wood are burned in front of many houses on New Year's Eve to light the way for visiting spirits, which the ancients believe come out on this night.

Another tradition to be observed during the Songkran Festival is to free birds or fish as a way of merit making. This is done out of a belief that these creatures will take the bad luck away from their liberators.

During the afternoon of the 13th, Buddha images are bathed as part of the ceremony, and young people pour scented water into the hands of elders and parents as a mark of respect, while seeking the blessing of the older people.

All over Thailand, colourful and splendid processions, a Miss Songkran contest, folk dances, and traditional games are held. No matter where you decide to visit during the festival, you are sure to find great fun and enjoyment. Just know that you will get soaked!