The basics

What to wear: you remember that ridiculous Hawaiian-style shirt your parents bought you on your last family trip?

Well, it’s time to present it to the world; the Hawaiian shirt is the unofficial top at Songkran and the louder and prouder it is, the more you will fit in.

Make sure you wear shoes with grip. Everything is going to get very slippery, and those flip-flops will not be staying on your feet.

What NOT to wear: do not wear white! As much as you may want to relive your university days, this is a religious holiday and not the time for a wet T-shirt contest. It’s also advisable not to wander around in your bathing suits all day.

What to bring: your childhood super soaker and, if you can’t find that, a bucket will do. Beyond that, pack as you would for the beach – a hat, sunglasses and waterproof sunscreen.

Rules of the game:  

Get wet and get people wet.

Don’t get mad (seriously, don’t). If you’re unhappy go inside but don’t get angry in public.

Don’t get into a fight. Songkran is a lighthearted holiday and no one means any harm.

Don’t wear white (in case you needed the reminder).

Monks, uniformed police and the elderly have immunity – everyone else is fair game.

Where it’s happening

Chaweng – for the party people

Why Chaweng: if you want to wake up at the end of this holiday wondering how you made it out alive, Chaweng, on the eastern coast of Koh Samui, is the place to go.

Chaweng, known for its white sandy beaches, is one of the busiest places on the island and this Songkran there are going to be foam parties, DJs, and plenty of boozy brunches.

Where to stay:

Sangsuri Estate

The basics: Sangsuri is an estate of three expansive villas in Chaweng. They range in size, consisting of six, seven or eight bedrooms.

The three villas can be rented together to create the largest Songkran team around – that’s 21-bedrooms and 31-bathrooms.

Why: set on a secluded stretch on Chaweng Beach, all 21-bedrooms feature spectacular views of the ocean or the various landscaped terraces. Plus, there’s direct beach access and each villa has at least one swimming pool. And, it’s only 10 minutes from Chaweng.

Choeng Mon – calm, but still in the action 

Why Choeng Mon: if you want to get involved in the action, but you’re hoping to survive the holiday without any scars, then go to Choeng Mon.

The area is also probably one of the better places to celebrate if you have younger children who you’re hoping not to lose in a crowd.

Where to stay:

The Sun Kissed Villa

The basics: The Sun Kissed Villa is a three-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom villa in the hills of Choeng Mon.

Why: this child-friendly villa is perfect for your tight-knit family (again, making sure those kids don’t disappear).

Sun Kissed earns its name thanks to a combination of sunny outdoor spaces and its modern interior, which offers sea and sunset views. Plus, it comes with a 6 metre (20 foot) by 5.4 metre infinity pool.

Bophut & Fisherman’s Village – for the best of both worlds

Why Bophut: Bophut and Fisherman’s Village are probably the best places to be during Songkran if you want a combination of Chaweng’s excitement and Choeng Mon’s more child-friendly atmosphere.

Where to stay:

Ban Kinaree

The basics: Ban Kinaree is a five-bedroom, five-bathroom hillside villa in Bophut.

Why: The villa is only a 10-minute drive from Fisherman’s Village for easy access to Songkran festivities, but a great retreat when you need a break.

The getaway is sprawled across three separate pavilions and levels, featuring a 17-metre-long swimming pool, an alfresco dining area and breathtaking views overlooking the bay.

Baan Benjamart

The basics: Baan Benjamart is a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom villa located directly on the beach in Bophut.

Why: the villa is perfect for island-loving families or a laid-back company of friends looking for a tranquil and luxurious beachfront retreat.

Baan Benjamart’s spacious rooms all open out onto tropical coastal views and stunning white sand beaches, making it easy to move between the pristine private beach, infinity pool and living areas.

The south and west coasts – for the ‘real’ Songkran 

Why the coasts: the least touristy areas of Koh Samui are along the island’s southern and western coasts, and from here you can get a better sense of how the locals celebrate the holiday.

Being on the quiet coasts, however, does not mean you’ll be staying dry – there’s still a water battle out there.

Where to stay:

L2 Residence

The basics: L2 Residence is a three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom villa within an exclusive hillside getaway in Laem Set on the southern coast.

Why: spread over a cliff face, L2 is an architectural gem. L2 is excellent for couples and small families looking to retreat from the world.

The villa comes with panoramic views of the Gulf of Siam, a child-friendly plunge pool with waterfall, and a floating yoga deck.

There’s also an in-villa chef, so the only downside of L2 is the possibility that you’ll forget about Songkran entirely.

Villa Haineu

The basics: Villa Haineu is a five-bedroom, seven-bathroom beachfront home in Lipa Noi, on Koh Samui’s west coast.

Why: one of six villas within the Dhevatara Cove Estate, Villa Haineu was designed with the historical Ayutthaya palaces in mind.

The living areas are spread across several pavilions housing dining areas, bedrooms and the main lounge area. The main pavilions open out onto a 15-metre swimming pool with jacuzzi. Haineu is perfect for families and larger groups of friends.

The rest: 

Business closures: most businesses on the island will be closed on Saturday and many will be closed until Wednesday, April 17. If you need things such as cash, make sure you get plenty of it in advance.

Driving: alcohol sales are strictly monitored during Songkran, but as with any new year celebration, keep an eye on the road. And, if at all possible, avoid using a motorbike or scooter during Songkran.

Beyond the roads being wet, you might end up with a face-full of water tossed at you – which can lead to all sorts of accidents.

Safety: very generally, Songkran in Koh Samui is no less safe than any other new year celebration. Just remember to stay alert.

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