Fancy feasts, traditional Thai performances, and more…

One of Thailand’s biggest celebrations, Songkran, takes place this weekend. The famous water festival marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year, and it’s a time for lots of food and fun (and waterfights).

Lucky for us, you don’t have to buy a plane ticket to Bangkok to join in on the fun. There are plenty of authentic Thai restaurants in Dubai that are hosting special Songkran-inspired festivities this weekend.

Here are 6 places to celebrate Songkran in Dubai.

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Pai Thai

Madinat Jumeirah spot Pai Thai is offering a three-course sharing menu in celebration of Songkran, with a side of traditional entertainment. You’ll arrive on a specially-decorated abra, and sit down to a feast of classic Thai dishes including wok-fried beef, crispy prawns, and crispy water chestnut with sugar syrup, coconut milk and crushed ice. The experience costs Dhs280 per person for food only (minimum two people sharing).

Pai Thai, Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Songkran menu available April 10 to 23. Tel: (04) 432 3232. More info on website.

Benjarong

Authentic Thai restaurant Benjarong has a special deal running this month where you can enjoy a seven-course street-style set menu for lunch or dinner for Dhs195. Dishes include tom yum noodle soup, hoy tod (Thai omelette), sukiyaki talay, and Thai rice pudding.

Benjarong, Dusit Thani Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road. Open for lunch midday to 3pm, and dinner 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 343 3333. More info on Facebook.

Tong Thai

Tong Thai in the JW Marriott Marquis is celebrating Songkran with an all-you-can-eat Thai buffet this weekend. It costs Dhs215 for unlimited food and soft drinks, or Dhs395 for unlimited food and house beverages (available only on Saturday April 14 from 7pm to 11pm due to Isra’a Wal Mi’raj).

Tong Thai, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay. Friday April 13 and Saturday April 14, 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 414 3000. More info on website.

Spice Emporium

Join Spice Emporium in The Westin Mina Seyahi on Saturday night for traditional Thai dancing and terrace dining with live outdoor cooking stations serving up all your favourite Thai dishes. It costs Dhs179 per person for food only.

Spice Emporium, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina. Saturday April 14, 6pm to 10.45pm. Tel: (04) 511 7373. More info on website.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai in Le Meridien Dubai is celebrating Songkran with a three-day Thai feast. It costs Dhs199 per person including soft drinks, Dhs249 including Thai beers and house wine, and Dhs99 for children aged 4 to 10 (note drinks package will not be available between 6pm Friday and 7pm Saturday due to Isra’a Wal Mi’raj). Plus, come dressed in traditional Thai costume and your group of five will only pay for four.

Sukhothai, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Airport Road. Thursday April 12 to Saturday April 14, lunch 12.30pm to 2.45 and dinner 7pm to 11.45pm. Tel: (04) 217 0000. More info on website.

The Royal Buddha

This authentic Thai restaurant in the Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha is hosting a Songkran Festival this weekend. Head along for a special four-course set menu for Dhs149 per person, accompanied by a traditional Thai dance performance.

The Royal Buddha, Holiday Inn Dubai, Al Barsha. Friday April 13 and Saturday April 14, 6.30pm to 11.45pm. Tel: (04) 323 4333. More info on website.

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