BANGKOK, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is promoting Songkran 2019 festivities in emerging destinations and eight other provinces to showcase local traditions of the annual Thai water festival.
TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said secondary destinations offer a different take on the uniqueness of time-honored Thai traditions in the water splashing festival, the most important feast of the year.
"Thailand's emerging destinations and secondary cities have a unique charm that is often found in smaller towns around the world. Some traditions are maintained in these places that might have faded in larger more established destinations like Bangkok or Pattaya," said the governor.
Activities will be held in three less-known provinces including Tak, Mukdahan and Ranong.
Tak province is home to spectacular natural attractions including the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Thailand. The small town in the Lower North of Thailand also serves as a key crossroads for travellers between Bangkok and Chiang Mai and is a major westerly route into Myanmar, with cross-border access now possible due to relaxed restrictions.
Mukdahan is one of the northeastern provinces of Thailand bordering the Mekong River, across which lies Savannakhet Province of Lao PDR.
Ranong is Thailand's most northern province along the Andaman coast sharing a land border with Myanmar. Varied attractions and activities make it a great place for anyone wanting to experience one of Thailand's lesser-visited southern provinces. Dense forest and lush agricultural lands cover much of the province, and there are numerous islands off the coastline.
Songkran, informally called "the Thailand water festival," is an annual event marking the start of the traditional Thai new year.
The water festival is about cleaning, purification and having a fresh start. Houses are cleaned while Buddha statues are carried through the streets in a procession to be washed with flower-scented water. Elders are honored by respectfully pouring water over their hands.
