My Songkran @ Chiang Khong 2014

[DavidFL]

Friday 11th - Saturday 19th April.
A plan to flee the madness & mayhem of Songkran in Chiang Mai.
Hang out in charming Chiang Khong & not get wet, if possible - a bit of a silly fantasy in retrospect.

For me it started off with a new year spirit ceremony at Wat Phra Kaeo.

& this ceremony would appear to be for the village elders only I thought.
Not everyone fitted inside

I'd actually been in CK for 2 days, holed up at Tammila guesthouse to avoid the water throwing & pickups patrolling the main street dowsing everyone with water. And I thought I would be "safe," no way!

 

[DavidFL]

On day 3 I ventured out for a few piccies of the water throwing

Parading the Buddha images for bathing & good luck

It was also full moon & there was a glorious moon rise over Houei Xai & the Khong.

A full moon can affect some people in strange ways & much more than others.

 

[DavidFL]

Like most towns on the 'Khong, Chiang Khong hosted some local boat racing.
It was exciting, went all day & was bloody hot 'n hard work in the midday sun, but the locals get right into it & have loads of fun. No aggro & no fights. just plain good ol sanuk. Good on you Thailand.

Preparing for the start

It's amazing how low the boats are & how little free board there is.

A race is on

The Finish line area & spectators

The finish line

Powering on, going for it

Close finishes

Victors

A victorious crew

Blessed boats

A portable sound system to urge the boat rowers on out in the Mekong

 

[DavidFL]

The cool laid back riverside party scene for the boat racing in Chiang Khong.

The boat racing finishing line

The night time party scene, set up on the Customs dock downtown.

A cool bench to sit on.