Let the good times flow - The wettest weekend of the year squelches round once more

Water, water, everywhere! It's Songkran again, and Bangkok has turned into a water war zone. There are several places around town holding parties for water splashing and other Thai New Year celebrations. Weekend recommends five cool venues where you can join in the fun.

Khao San Road

Known as Bangkok's most zestful Songkran zone, the splashing on Khao San Road lasts from today to April 15, 10am to 11pm.

But before splashers take over the whole street, the Songkran Festival starts with a traditional blessing. This morning at 7, Khao San entrepreneurs will take part in a merit-making ceremony. Cultural performances will follow at 8.30am. Elderly people will be blessed by having water poured over their hands in the Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony. There will also be a parade of people dressed in traditional Thai costume.

Then at 10am, it's time to get a little crazy. There'll be a Songkran backing track pumping from the various bars, restaurants and shops; the Buddy Group will host lots of fun activities and shows; and DJs and MCs from Khao San bars and clubs will be spinning upbeat tunes.

One highlight will be the raucous metal bands at the Immortal today and tomorrow. Today at 4pm, hard-rock fans can treat themselves to Heat, Chest Spleen, Neuritic, Wheel of Pain, Zabulatal and In Vein. Playing tomorrow are Past of the Pain, Destroy, Slow Suicide, Voiceless of Fear and Carnivora, featuring special guest Ja from Plaan. Tickets are Bt200 for one day and Bt300 for both days, available at JU in Pantip Plaza and the Immortal Bar on Khao San Road.

For information call (089) 220 2992 or visit www.thaiextrememusic.net.

Silom

Bustling Silom Road is another spot for getting soaked. Water splashing starts today and goes on until Sunday.

The tradition for Silom residents is to line the pavement along both sides of the street and splash water on cars and pedestrians passing by.

You might want to try Silom Soi 4 after sunset, as this is where the action is. The whole street becomes a wild and wet arena. More than 2,000 people packed this soi for last year's festival. Pubs and bars brave the showers to stay open and play dance music.

Normally the water splashing lasts until midnight.

Manta Klangboonkrong

Pattarawadee Saengmanee