Celebrate Thai New Year at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

There aren’t many places 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 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.

It continues at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, where a special Songkran Package is available so that guests can join in the festivities too. The three-night package, available between April 11 and 17, 2015,  includes daily breakfast, one dinner for two at the Resort's Thai restaurant Sala Mae Rim, a two-hour Songkran Spa Transformation treatment for two at the Spa, and a special Songkran Survival Kit (including waterproof covers to keep valuables safe) for guests staying on April 13, 14 and 15, 2015. The Resort also has a complimentary shuttle to take guests into the heart of the action in Chiang Mai's old town - so there's no excuse not to get out there and join the fun.

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.

Rates for the Songkran stay package start from THB 28,990 per room, per night, subject to government tax and service charge. A Songkran Package is also available between April 11 and 17, 2015 at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.