Songkran starts this week and many of us will be travelling up to Bangkok for this wonderful and fun festival. Here are some tips we gathered from seasoned travellers. If you have any tips, add them to the comment section !
#1 Sunscreen
It’s going to be HOT. Make sure you apply sunscreen on all the exposed area to prevent from getting burned especially if you are going to a pool party. Carry it with you and re-apply as often as required. Sunscreens are very common and can be found in many pharmacies located on every corner of Bangkok. Remember: you only want to get wet, not sun-burned.
#2: To wear or not to wear
Flip flops are highly recommended, but make sure they are not slippery on wet grounds. Make sure to pack an extra pair of shoes if you plan to head to club. However, bring shoes you do not mind getting soiled. You will definitely get wet the moment you step out of your hotel. So be mentally prepared. It may be easier to go topless or wear a singlet. If you do, be proud of your own body, and have fun.
#3: Personal Safety
Song Kran is all about having fun and meeting new people. You wouldn’t want to worry about losing your items. Most clubs, circuit parties and pool parties will have a coat check where you can leave your bags. Use a back pack when in crowded places, and carry it in front where you can see it at all times.
Carrying light, only bring the important items, such as wallets, handphone, condoms, lube and a light change of clothes. Seal them in good quality ziplock bags to keep them water proof.
Need to pick up free condoms and lube sachets? Drop by our office.
#4: Eating
Make sure you have a light meal before going to the party, do not go with an empty stomach if you intend to have alcohol. If you are going to have sex, take note what food give you the runs, so you are in your top form.
#5: Accidents and emergencies
Here is a list of hotlines in case of an accident or emergency.
Local hospitals –
- Bumrungrad International
33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua), Wattana, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand
Telephone: +662 667 1000 - Bangkok Hospital
2 Soi Soonvijai 7, New Petchburi road, Bangkapi, Huay Khwang, Thailand
Telephone: +66 2 310 3000
http://www.bangkokhospital.com/ - BNH Hospital
9/1, Convent Road, Silom Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Telephone: (+662) 686-2700
http://www.BNHhospital.com #sthash.ikxOtQ1E.dpuf -
Bangkok Health Hub
Silom 64, 3rd floor, room C003, Silom Road, Suriyawong, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone
+662-6328232, +6686-3778171
HoursEveryday (except Wednesday), 12PM-8PM+ PEP and PrEP are available here. -
Sathorn International Clinic
562/16 Sathorn 3,(Soi Suanplu) Sathorn Bangkok 10110Phone+662 0093877EmailWebsiteHoursMonday to Friday, 4PM – 9PM
Saturday to Sunday, 9AM – 6PM
11-14 April 2016: 10AM – 9PM
15-17 April 2016: 10AM – 5PM
Please make an appointment ahead via phone call or email.Notes+ PEP and PrEP are available here.
24 hr helpline for illicit drugs related issues and emergencies –
Telephone: +66(0) 828112686
http://www.na-thailand.org/
If your condom broke or was exposed to HIV –
Go to any emergency centre and ask for P.E.P (What is P.E.P?) or visit the Thai Red cross on Ratchadamri Road.
The Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre
104 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan,
Bangkok 10330
Tel: +66 2 256 4107 – 09
Fax: +66 2 254 7577
E-mail: aids@trcarc.org
http://www.trcarc.org
Closed from 13-17 April
Bumrungrad International
33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua), Wattana, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand
Telephone: +662 667 1000
Emergency: +662 667 2999
Out-patient Appointment: +662 667 1555