Back to Bangkok: Songkran, Souvenirs & Saying Goodbye
- adriana hamelin
- May 12
- 2 min read
A Gentle Return
Our final stop brought us back to Bangkok. After weeks of bouncing around Southeast Asia, it felt different this time—less overwhelming, more familiar. We had just two full days, a holiday in full swing, and a suitcase to fill with gifts. It wasn’t about seeing it all—it was about soaking it in.
🎉 Songkran: Joy in the Air (and Water)
We were lucky to be in Bangkok during Songkran, Thailand’s New Year celebration. April 13th is the big day, but the festivities ripple before and after. The iconic water fights represent cleansing the past year and welcoming the new—playful, chaotic, and deeply joyful.
We didn’t dive fully into the action (two long-haul flights back-to-back made us rethink getting drenched), but Chatuchak Market gave us a taste. Amid stalls and souvenirs, we found ourselves being sprayed by water guns and watching locals and travelers smiling from ear to ear. The atmosphere was electric. A part of me wanted to grab a water gun and jump in... next time.
We also looked into the S2O Songkran Music Festival, which looked amazing. If you're planning to go, book in advance—last-minute prices were steep.
🛍️ Shopping & Strolling
Having skipped souvenirs the first time around, we made up for it with:
Chatuchak Weekend Market – endless maze of cool finds and local flavor.
MBK Center – air-conditioned, organized chaos with bargains galore.
We skipped some of the big hitters like ICONSIAM and Wat Arun at night. Truth is, Bangkok is massive. Just getting across town can eat up 30–60 minutes. But the second visit felt more manageable. We’d found our pace. Even the heat wasn’t as brutal.
🧳 Travel Notes: Airports & Little Joys
✈️ DMK Domestic Arrivals
I have to shout out Don Mueang Airport—particularly the baggage claim system. There's a designated line to keep people and carts back from the carousel, and sample carts placed perfectly to demonstrate good etiquette. A small thing, but so well done. More airports should take note!
✈️ Suvarnabhumi Airport
A huge airport, but clearly signed. Check-in at Counter L was a breeze, and although the walk through security and duty-free felt far, it was nice to stretch our legs before the long haul to Tokyo.
First time playing Santa with a box full of surprises!
✈️ Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Our transfer was a little adventure—a 15-minute bus ride under the tarmac from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3. Signs were clear, and we had enough time to settle into a lounge. Oh Japan, how we missed you.
💭 Final Thoughts
Our last days in Bangkok weren’t about checking off landmarks. They were about transitioning, reflecting, and absorbing the energy of a place that had once overwhelmed us and now felt almost familiar. We didn’t do everything—and maybe that’s the best way to leave a city. With a reason to come back.
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