Forget about the political chaos and economic downturn for a while. Instead, recharge your batteries with the many fun and affordable activities going on during the upcoming Songkran Festival. Activities in six locations across the capital will entertain you and help you forget the economic troubles and political tension.

Rattanakosin: Among the highlights of Songkran in Bangkok, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has picked out nine sacred locations for those seeking spiritual benefits until Wednesday. At Wat Pho on Rattanakosin Island, tourists can see demonstrations of Songkran traditions from four regions, worship at nine sacred places and also enjoy Thai foods and desserts. All activities are free of charge, but this is a good time to donate to the temples for luck.

Sanam Luang: Not far from the Rattanakosin area, tourists can attend events at Lan Kon Muang and Sanam Luang. The wide range of activities includes a merit-making ceremony for offering food to 226 monks and novices. There is also Rod Nam Dam Hua, a water-pouring ceremony showing respect to senior and respected people. Visitors can also worship and pour water at the Phra Buddha Sihing image.

In addition, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration plans to close part of Ratchadamnoen Avenue for people to splash water. Folk and pop music concerts will be held at Sanam Luang along with Thai massage and Thai food demonstrations from Sunday through Wednesday.

Museums: Bangkok's many museums offer appealing Songkran options, especially for families. For example, the National Discovery Museum Institute on Sanam Chai Road provides fascinating insights into Thailand's history and old buildings. During Songkran, it will host performances related to Thai lifestyles and folk music. The activities take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Foreigners will be charged 300 baht, Thai adults 50 baht, and children younger than 15 will have free entry.

Khao San: Khao San Road has been a top Songkran destination for both local and foreign tourists for years. In addition to the splashing from tomorrow through Wednesday, there will be performances by Thai movie stars and traditional activities such as giving food to 1,500 monks.

The Khao San Business Association expects more than 100,000 tourists, 70% of them Thai, to flock to Khao San to enjoy Songkran.

Warning: Thai women dressed inappropriately will be denied entry to the area. It is also forbidden to mix water with powder and throw paste on other participants in the festival.

Silom Road: Like Khao San Road, Silom Road is also likely to be thronged with Thai and foreign revellers, particularly at night. Expect plenty of drinking as well as water-throwing. Hip-hop and rock music will be playing in the area's many pubs and street food like noodles and rice with omelette will be on sale in the sideroads.

CentralWorld: For teenagers, the festival's new landmark is CentralWorld. This year CentralWorld will organise 10 concerts, up from five last year, to attract teenagers and boost its image as the essential destination at Songkran. Its Splashy Songkran Fest will be held from tomorrow to Tuesday in the 4,000- square-metre open space in front of the complex. There will be fountains and a 40-metre water tunnel. CentralWorld expects around 200,000 tourists to join its activities.