Songkran at Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the best place in Thailand to celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year, from 13 to 15 April (celebrations often run for several days either side). What began as gently pouring water over hands for blessing is now a huge city-wide water fight. The centre of it all is Tha Phae Gate and the moat around the old city, where people line the banks with buckets and water guns.

You will get soaked, so put your phone and money in a waterproof pouch. There are also parades, temple ceremonies and the building of sand pagodas at temples such as Wat Phra Singh.

Rooms and flights sell out weeks ahead, with extra flights often added, so book well in advance: it's no fun searching for a room with your bags while getting drenched.