The Hat Yai Midnight Songkran is a special event held on the eve of the water festival yearly and attracts thousands of visitors from Malaysia.
This is one of the only places in Thailand where it is celebrated on a large scale, with many other activities to usher in the Thai New Year.
Hat Yai Midnight Songkran
This time around, I was fortunate enough to witness the water festival from the eve right to the second day and let me tell you, this is one fantastic festival to attend, provided you do not mind getting soaked.
This fun water-splashing festival started around 2005, as many Malaysians would head across the border to participate and enjoy the Songkran Festival.
The Thai people would wrap up the fun just after dinner, but the Malaysians would continue celebrating this, thus born the Midnight Songkran in Hat Yai.
These days, the soaking even starts in the morning on the eve of the festival. So, if you are headed here ahead, you will be in for a load of splashing fun in Hat Yai.
Spectators and locals exchange splashes on the streets of Hat Yai.
Below are pictures I took during the Midnight Songkran 2012 in Hat Yai. I wrapped my DSLR camera in a plastic bag, knowing I was bound to get soaked there.
The trick is to be ready for splashes from all directions, but the best tip is to bring an underwater casing for your camera if you have one.
I captured some Songkran pictures during the day and at night; therefore, this article focuses on the night activity.
For those heading here this year, ensure you are well-prepared and supportive. This means all kinds of people will be splashing water at you.
Midnight Songkran Photos
Below are pictures taken throughout Hat Yai town during the midnight Songkran water festival as I walked around with my DSLR camera wrapped in a plastic bag.
Official Hatyai Midnight Songkran poster.
The streets of Hat Yai get really crowded after 8pm.
Local powder sold for the Songkran.
Hat Yai goes into a water fight at night.
Locals ride around in pickup trucks and soak anyone in the way with cold water.
A Muay Thai Boxer gets ready for the showdown.
Locals getting powdered on the streets.
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| A Thai girl armed with a Minnie Mouse water gun. |
During the night Foam Party on the streets of Hat Yai.
Some delicious Thai food is available around Hat Yai during the Songkran Festival.
Thai ladies are soaked while riding bikes.
Police and Military doing checks on people coming to the Songkran.
Free concerts and shows were found throughout Hat Yai town.
On the streets of Hat Yai, no one was spared.
Happy and cheerful Teenagers roam the streets.
Even the Thai Police were seen in a jovial mood at the Midnight Songkran.
Water was being thrown at people, but I was at the back.
For those exploring further, here is an article about where to go in Hat Yai, which lists the many exciting places around Southern Thailand.
If you plan to go there, make sure you book your hotels in the central part of town, which is the most strategic location.
If you are driving there, make sure you get your car documents all prepared and go one or two days earlier.
If you plan to go there, make sure you book your hotels in the central part of town, which is the most strategic location.
If you are driving there, make sure you get your car documents all prepared and go one or two days earlier.
Hatyai Midnight Songkran
Date: Around April
Venue: All over the city of Hat Yai
Conclusion
Conclusion
Those interested in witnessing this unique water festival next year should book ahead as it starts on the 12th of April, one day before the festival.
Suppose you have witnessed the general water festival in other parts of Thailand. In that case, you should experience the Hat Yai Midnight Songkran, as this one is undoubtedly unique for anyone.
Suppose you have witnessed the general water festival in other parts of Thailand. In that case, you should experience the Hat Yai Midnight Songkran, as this one is undoubtedly unique for anyone.