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Taran Ramshaw 4/30/17 Taran Ramshaw 4/30/17

Epic Water Festival In Chaing Mai, Thailand - Photo Essay

"you will find yourself amongst groups of people from all races and walks of life, all smiling and laughing together as you spray, throw and drench each other in water!"

This ancient tradition that involves dousing everybody you see in water is a time of unity and people who have moved away return home to their loved ones, the pouring of water represents purification and the washing away of sins and bad luck..

Epic Water Festival In Chaing Mai, Thailand - Photo Essay

Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, we were met with the craziness that is the Thai new year water festival, Songkran. This world famous week-long festival takes place all over Thailand but is known by many to be especially great in Chiang Mai, and it certainly didn't fail to blow us away (with water that is).

This ancient tradition that involves dousing everybody you see in water is a time of unity and people who have moved away return home to their loved ones, the pouring of water represents purification and the washing away of sins and bad luck. Of course, since this has become a must-see attraction for people all over the world the main bulk of the festival involves a huge water fight, and ancient traditions of pouring water over hands has been replaced with firing water guns at peoples faces while they drive past on their scooter..

Nether the less this is an epic water fight that is not to be missed if you get the chance, it really does bring everyone together, you will find yourself amongst groups of people from all races and walks of life, all smiling and laughing together as you spray, throw and drench each other in water!

Two young Thai girls waiting on the side of the road for someone to soak.

Joining in with the craziness and getting completely soaked! We joined this big group who stood by the side of the road and awaited victims to pass by..

The street market in Chiang Mai is epic in size, after walking for 30 minutes we still had not got from one side to the other, let alone seen all the stalls! Pictured above: a mother and daughter selling small trinkets to try and make a living.

Chiang Mai's centre is surrounded by a huge moat, this used to be the old perimeter of the city with some of the old walls still standing.

A group of friends and family stand outside their shop with hoses and water guns, laughing as they spray everyone that walks by.

Street food is a massive part of Thai culture, there a stalls everywhere and you can get just about anything, including full grilled squid for $2...

The temples around the city are a true work of art, and to keep them looking that way requires a lot of maintenance. Here is a classic example of Thai scaffolding, bamboo tied together with string.. If you work in health & safety, this picture must be giving you anxiety!

A sample of the artwork found inside the temples.

A young Thai girl sings her heart out while playing guitar, trying to earn money for scholarship fees.

A young monk on his way to class at the temple, we joined in with their English learning class by having a discussion with one of the monks. Interested in more temple photography? Check out 'Temple Hopping In Bangkok'.

My favourite picture from the water fight, this could easily be seen as a photo of a protest if the water guns were replaced with actual guns.

So are you ready for Songkran? I hope this article has inspired you to take the trip to Thailand and experience it for yourself!

Thanks for reading!

Taran here, owner of Nomad'er How Far. I'm fond of psychedelic rock, photography & videography, anything to do with space and I'm also partial to the odd gaming session. Oh and I love to travel :P Get to know me here!

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