Thai New Year can be a pretty raucous affair. After all, how many other places are there in the world where it's completely acceptable to throw a bucket of water at a passerby, or to shoot at a total stranger with a water pistol? But in April in Thailand, this is exactly what happens – and visitors are invited to join in the fun.

Every April sees the arrival of the Songkran Water Festival, also known as Thai New Year. Celebrated in 2012 from April 13 to 15, the festival embraces goodwill, love, compassion and thankfulness, using water as the means of expression. Originally a sign of respect, the traditional water pouring has evolved into good-natured country-wide water throwing, with locals and tourists alike roaming the streets armed with containers of water, or waiting on the side of the road with a water pistol to drench friends and strangers alike – all in the name of fun.

The fun continues at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, where a special Songkran Package is available so that guests can join in the festivitie, too. The four-night package includes daily breakfast, one dinner for two at the Resort's Thai restaurant Lan Tania or beach restaurant Pla Pla, a 90-minute Siam Fusion massage for two at the Spa, and a special Songkran Survival Kit.

For those who want to head out and join the water-throwing fun, Chaweng provides the biggest party atmosphere. But for those who want to take it easy during Thai New Year, or who have tired of the festivities, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui provides the perfect laid-back escape.

And a word of warning to visitors to the Kingdom of Thailand at this time of year: you will get wet, so try and remain cool (a good dousing with water usually helps) and join in this good-natured fun with a smile and sense of humour.

Songkran packages, including Songkran survival kits, are also available in April at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok and Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai.