Songkran Festival
Songkran is a Thai traditional New Year which starts on April 13 every year and lasts for 3 days. Songkran festival on April 13 is Maha Songkran Day or the day to mark the end of the old year, April 14 is Wan Nao which is the day after and April 15 is Wan Thaloeng Sok which the New Year begins.
Songkran means “movement” or “changing” since according to Thai astrology, the sun will move into a new sign of the Zodiac on this day. Songkran is also called the “Water Festival”. Water is believed to flow and wash away all bad omens during this time. Thus, it is a time for cleaning; houses, villages, temples and spirit houses.
In the Thai tradition, the New Year begins early in the morning when faithful Thai Buddhists give alms to Buddhist monks. After that, they release caged animals, especially birds and fish. Elders and parents will be visited and respected by their children and grandchildren. The young pour scented water over their elder’s hands, they in return, wish them good health, happiness and prosperity. This tradition of paying respect, is called “Rod Nam Dam Hua”. April 14 is called “Family Day”.
In the afternoon, Thai Buddhists sprinkle scented water on Buddha images. After that, they sprinkle perfumed water on, or throw clean, cold water over each other. Songkran is observed with excitement in the North, especially in the northern province of Chiang Mai.
A lot of people from around the country will head up north to participate in the festivals organised there. A Miss Songkran Pageant will be held and a long and beautiful parade will be organised.
In Bangkok, the Buddha image "Buddhasihing" is brought out from the National Museum for people to sprinkle lustral water at Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace. Anyone who goes out on the street is likely to get a thorough soaking. People believe that water will wash away bad luck, and splashing water over friends or anyone will give them a New Year blessing.
Tao Island is composed of 21 kms of rocks and coconut trees, surrounded by shallow beaches. It is located 45 kms north of Samui and 40 kms east of Chumphon. On the west coast Mae Nam, the main town, is the residence of most of the local population. The busiest beach is Sairee Beach north of Mae Haad where you can have the widest choice of accommodation. The second most famous beach is Ao Chalok Ban Kao south of Mae Hadd. Other small bays and beaches are difficult to access by road.
Ko Tao, meaning turtle island, is named after the topography of its central mountain which resembles a turtle's back. The small tropical island amid the deep blue sea is encircled by miles of coral reefs and pinnacles where you can find some large, deep-water fishes such as mantas and whale sharks. 
the sea is too shallow for swimming. 
From Samui: 
