Kuala Lumpur, 3 April 2018 – Today, for the first time ever, Airbnb launches Songkran Airbnb Experiences exclusively for the month leading up to Songkran (19 March to 15 April). During the month, the local community on Airbnb aims to recapture the magic and tradition behind Thailand’s most celebrated and respected festival through the launch of “Songkran Special Airbnb Experiences”. Here, locals and travellers connect and immerse themselves in activities that are authentically Songkran.
With a projection of more than 35,000 guest arrivals (a 20% increase compared to last year), Songkran is gaining popularity across the world. The festival is a celebrated time in the land of Smiles, when locals gather to pay their respects and gratitude to elders and visit temples for offerings and prayers, including pouring water over Buddhist statues for luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Travellers can now take part this year by booking Airbnb Experiences that are not only authentically Thai, but also learn from the Experiences hosts about Thailand during Songkran and take part in traditional rituals practiced by locals.
For local Thais, if you have a passion to host and share your knowledge and passion for Thailand, you can also be an Airbnb Experience Host!
Quote from Sriram Vaidhya, Head of Trips for Southeast Asia and India, Airbnb
“We see travellers coming back to Bangkok annually to seek alternative adventures during Songkran, whether they are travelling alone or with groups of friends or family. As well as staying in unique accommodation options, there is the desire among travellers to enjoy a city through the eyes of a local. Airbnb Experiences is also a great way to unleash economic opportunity for locals, and has emerged as a platform for people to monetise their passions and talents. Our greatest assets are time and potential and Experiences is a way to unlock that.”
These are just a few examples to give you a taster of what to expect from the Thai Songkran Experiences:
Pad Thai Delight!
https://www.airbnb.com.sg/experiences/10889
Appreciate the meaning behind Songkran as local host Tatiya brings you through traditional cultural practices, including pouring scented water over Buddhist statues, showing gratitude towards Thai elders and dressing up with Din-So-Pong (traditional mud-based sunblock), flower garlands and traditional Thai fabric.
Traditional Thai Dance (https://www.airbnb.com.sg/experiences/62394)
Touch of Traditional Thai Recipe (https://www.airbnb.com.sg/experiences/86187)
Relive the traditional Songkran experience by dressing up in traditional Thai outfits and learning Thai songs and dances played all throughout Songkran (by a local host who has been dancing since she was 3 years old!)
Authentic Northern Thai Cook Off!
https://www.airbnb.com.sg/experiences/47970
Do something meaningful this Songkran by booking a Social Impact Experience, where 100% of the proceeds goes to non-profit organisations such as Courageous Kitchen. Understand how Songkran is celebrated beyond the city centre as hosts Dwight and Panisha share how locals in the countryside reunite over local Northeastern Thai delicacies (hidden culinary gems that usually can’t be found in typical Thai cooking classes).
Real Thai traditional Songkran ceremony with Sak Yant master.
https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/33727
Hear first-hand from Petz and Arjan on how to mark the New Year celebration with Rot Nam Dam Hua, the traditional way to celebrate Songkran with Thai elders at the temple.
Thai Fruit Carving
https://www.airbnb.com.sg/experiences/31760
Founder and executive chef of Farm 22, a one-table, farm-to-table restaurant will show you the heart of Bangkok and help you master the fine art of Thai fruit carving as you learn more about the how it’s used during Songkran. “We will sprinkle water onto a Buddha image (สรงน้ำพระ is a gesture of worship during the annual Songkran festival) and learn about the significance of decorating fruits along with the bowl of bucket of water which you can sprinkle water to the image. I will be explaining they reason of do this including history of Songkran.”
Since its launch a year ago, Airbnb Experiences have enabled people to learn new skills and embrace new adventures with local experts who share their interests and passions, and in this instance – better understand the culture and tradition of a well-celebrated national festival. To date, there are more than 5,000 experiences across 60 destinations globally, with the aim of 1,000 cities by the end of 2018. Bangkok is among the top Experiences cities in Asia Pacific, and this series of Songkran-themed Experiences looks to bring even more travellers to the Land of Smiles!