Chiang Mai is the best place to celebrate the water festival in Southeast Asia, and it draws many thousands of visitors to the old Lanna capital. The city offers both gentle and wild options when it comes to Songkran. Early in the day, the faithful pay respect to their elders and gently sprinkle water on temple grounds. As the day heats up, shots of water are fired from a high-power pump and balloons are filled with cold water. The target is, of course, anything that moves. Expect to finish the day looking like a wet puppy. The festival culminates at night with cultural shows at Thapae Gate.