Southeast Asia’s New Year is just a month away. Just like Westerners anticipating Christmas and New Year weeks in advance, the locals are already planning on what to do over the long break. Going home and staying with the family is one option. Hopping on a pickup truck with friends, driving around town and splashing water on others is another. Whatever the case, everyone in Southeast Asia is guaranteed to get wet, including you.

April is the hottest month for Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. Temperatures easily rise up 40 degrees Celsius on occasion and average in the high 30’s throughout the month. This makes the timing of these New Year festivities perfect. What started as gentle water pouring ceremonies respecting elders and the Buddha in temples has now become a giant and joyous water battle creating a truly unique way to celebrate the New Year.

Exotissimo is home to two tours centering on this unique way of celebrating the New Year. First, in Cambodia Exotissimo’s Celebrate Khmer New Year  tour takes you on a four day journey of ancient temple exploration and charity visiting while immersing themselves in festival activities and celebrating Chaul Chnam Thmey with the locals as they do. 

The second related tour is in Myanmar and is celebrated much the same way – with water, and lots of it. Called Thingyan in Burmese, you’ll get to celebrate just like the locals on a pickup truck within Yangon’s festive streets. In addition, you’ll also get to experience the celebration in a more subdued manner at the beach resort town of Ngwe Saung. There is ample time to relax, explore villages and experience Thingyan in a calmer environment here.

Travel Thailand and Laos during the New Year while also discovering two wonderful countries filled with natural and cultural gems. Contact Exotissimo for more information about the Water Festival as well as travel options, guidelines and tips during the festive period.