Celebrate Your Songkran Holiday With A Long-stay Beach Vacation

As April showers bring May flowers in many parts of the world, in Thailand, it calls in something even more spectacular: Songkran. Planning to celebrate Songkran in Thailand with a long vacation? You are in the right place.

Songkran, celebrated as the Buddhist New Year, is marked by a three-day public holiday in Thailand, embodying the symbolic act of washing away the past year’s misfortunes to welcome a fresh start. However, this traditional holiday has evolved into a days-long jubilant event, transforming it into possibly the world’s largest water fight festival. This evolution has made the Songkran celebration a bucket-list experience for thousands of international travelers. 

One of the best ways to celebrate Songkran is by the beach. Among Thailand’s many picturesque beach destinations, Koh Samui is a popular choice for those looking to celebrate with a mix of fun and serenity. 

How To Plan For A Long-Stay Beach Vacation

To ensure your Songkran trip is smooth sailing, read our guide on how to plan for a long-stay beach vacation to Koh Samui.  

Destination Research

With its exquisite beaches, Koh Samui has become a hotspot for travelers seeking fun and relaxation. When planning a long-stay beach vacation, a serene beach with just the right amount of activities and people is essential. Consider staying near Choeng Mon Beach, which boasts a beautiful 2 km stretch of fine, white sand with surrounding greenery and picturesque stony bays. Graced mainly by families and couples, it has a balanced atmosphere of excitement and peace. 

During Songkran celebrations, you can visit Chaweng Beach nearby for DJ foam parties and more intense water fight celebrations. If that doesn’t sound like your scene, visit the west coast towns such as Nathon for a more peaceful and traditional celebration. 

Also, remember to add a list of local attractions to your must-visit list, such as the night market or Big Buddha. 

Booking Essentials

The Songkran holiday is considered a peak tourist time in Thailand, so it gets busy everywhere. To snag the best deals and avoid last-minute hiccups, book your accommodations and flights early. Tip: instead of using third parties, book directly with your hotel to get the best offers of the season and special perks. Direct hotel bookings ensure your hotel can cater to all your needs from your arrival to departure and save you any hassle dealing with third parties. Don’t overlook travel insurance – it’s a safety net you won’t regret having. Also, you can directly contact your resort to help support you in reserving spots for must-do activities. 

Pack Like A Pro

Now, let’s move on to the most important part of planning your long-stay beach vacation – packing. Your packing list should include beach essentials such as sunscreen, bathing suits, hats, and sunglasses. Thailand can reach very high temperatures during April, so ensure you pack light, breezy, and comfortable clothing. Remember to pack vibrant outfits perfect for the festive Songkran mood (steer clear of wearing white during water fights to avoid transparency). Waterproof bags are a must-have to protect your valuables when on the beach or participating in water fights (you will be soaked everywhere you go!). 

Also, remember to pack comfortable footwear such as flip-flops, sneakers, and water shoes for those Songkran activities. 

Smooth Traveling

Ensure your travel documents, such as your ID and passport, are in order, easily accessible, and updated. Print or save digital copies of your flight, accommodation, travel insurance policies, and rental bookings. Download essential apps on your phone, such as Grab, to get around and Google Translate to help you communicate seamlessly. 

Local Customs

Being aware of local customs and brushing up on essential Thai phrases can make your vacation a breeze. Usually, during the first two days of Songkran, everyone will be out to celebrate with water fights, and you will get soaked regardless of your willingness to participate. If you want to avoid this, it is best to stay indoors. If locals approach you to apply a dab of white-talc paste (it’s harmless!) on your face or body, accept it or be respectful in declining. It’s a Songkran custom to ward off evil spirits. 

Learning some essential Thai phrases can go a long way during your stay here. Say “Sawasdee pee mai“ during Songkran; it means “Happy New Year!”. In addition to this, learn Thai phrases such as thank you, how much, or hello – locals always appreciate the effort! 

When visiting temples, it is vital to be respectful – cover your shoulders and wear knee-length clothing. 

Stay Connected

Consider an international SIM card or roaming plan to keep in touch without a hitch. However, once you land at the airport, many telecom companies offer tourist SIM packs for your convenience. Downloading offline maps can also be a lifesaver in areas with spotty internet coverage.

Home and Health Prep

Please note that during the Songkran holidays, almost all government or financial institutions are closed due to public holidays, so prepare accordingly. Health-wise, check vaccination requirements and stock up on prescriptions.

The Perfect Stay at Kimpton Kitalay Samui

Now that you are ready to start planning your long-stay beach vacation – let’s focus on where you should stay in Koh Samui. 

For those seeking to be at the center of it all on this beautiful island, Kimpton Kitalay Samui is an exceptional choice. Nestled along the pristine shores of Choeng Mon Beach, our luxury 5-star beachfront resort encapsulates Koh Samui’s enchanting tropical allure. We have 138 rooms, suites, and villas, and our resort grounds offer a picturesque tropical village-like setting that encourages our guests to connect with the community spirit, all inspired by the sea’s majestic beauty.

Guests are invited to reinvigorate their senses at our five unique and bold restaurants and bars, including FishHouse Restaurant & Bar, a Michelin Guide-recommended eatery. The spa, imbued with traditional Thai wellness practices infused with a contemporary twist, promises a rejuvenating experience. Meanwhile, our resort’s signature Olympic-sized swimming pool, shaded by towering palms, offers a serene escape. Perfectly positioned, our resort ensures easy access to all of Koh Samui’s top attractions. 

Last but not least, our team is always on hand to take care of your needs, whether you need recommendations for things to do or travel arrangements for your adventures. 

Stay Longer, Pay Less

Our long-stay package, “Stay Longer, Pay Less,” is perfect when planning your beach vacation. Reserve a minimum of 4 nights and enjoy up to 20% off on our best flexible rates. 

Ready For A Splash-tastic Vacation?

Book your dream long-stay beach vacation at Kimpton Kitalay Samui today for an unmatched Songkran celebration. Follow our social media channels and stay updated with our website for upcoming Songkran events and offers. 

We look forward to celebrating Songkran with you!