Hi everyone,

I understand that Songkran is from 13-15 Apr & extended to 16 & 17 Apr this year. I intend to go Bangkok (Platinum Fashion Mall area) on 18 Apr.

May I know if Songkran is still going on the 18th? Will I still get splashed by water? Are the roadside stalls, shopping malls & Chatuchak opened for businesses already on the 18th?

Appreciate your replies. Tks in advance.

In different parts of Thailand, Songkran can be celebrated during different/extended periods. Living in Bangkok, since 2007, I haven't noticed it celebrated beyond the 13th~15th. Because Songkran falls over the weekend, this year, I can't see any reason for the partying to extend beyond.

If you are here, between the 13th and 15th, do expect to get wet, and prepare accordingly. Outside that timeframe, you should be safe.

Because this is a time to visit family, many will head "upcountry" to visit. This can affect vendors, who may not open their stalls and shops, because they are out of town. But, by the 18th, things should be back to normal.

Do remember that Chatuchak is a weekend venue.

Hi Curt, tks for clearing my doubts..

I shall go ahead & book the plane tickets for 18 Apr to Bangkok..

Tks for the reminder on Chatuchak..

Hi Curt,

I was wondering if the newly opened Bangkok City Hotel is within walking distance to Platinum Fashion Mall..

You're just a bit over 1 kilometer from Platinum Fashion Mall. You can break up the journey with a visit to Pantip IT Mall.

Hi Curt, is it true that I need to take tuk tuk or taxi to MBK from Bangkok City Hotel? It seems to be that this hotel doesn't have a very good location?

How do Thais pronoun 'Rachathewi' as in the SkyTrain Station? In case taxi drivers don't know the hotel, I can ask them to drop me at Rachathewi Station and I'll walk to the hotel from there.

A kilometer isn't too far for me to walk. Your mileage could vary.

Here's the Google map from the hotel to Platinum: http://g.co/maps/yc59k

Ratchathewi is pronounced ratcha-teh-vee

Tks Curt..

Hi Curt,

Just some quick questions, hope you can help.

Since Songkran falls on a weekend this year, will it affect Chatuchak market? Is Chatuchak market still open or will most of the stalls be closed?

How is it like for Bangkok during Songkran period? Do shops and shopping malls still open as per normal since Bangkok is more of a tourist venue in Thailand?

Thanks in advance!

Songkran is a time when many will visit with family. Many, working in Bangkok, will have family "upcountry". Therefore, Songkran is probably Thailand's biggest travel period.

This year, the holiday falls over a weekend. This could mean more will travel out of town. This could affect the number of Chatuchak stalls open and the number of shops closed elsewhere. Also, some shops will close to avoid getting their interiors wet.

Malls should be, pretty much, business as usual. The big problem is spending time in an over air conditioned mall after being dowsed!