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I can't comment on Laos as I've never been there for Songkran/New Year (although it is probably my favorite place on the planet otherwise!), however...
I was in Bangkok during Songkran several years ago (2004 I think), and it was an amazing atmosphere and experience, especially around Khao San Road. If you're in a different part of the country there will still be some form of celebration, but it's not as intense as in Bangkok/Khao San Road.
Whether it's worth the extra money to you is obviously not a question I can answer, but if it were me I would be handing over the $80 in an instant!
Keep in mind that logistically things can be a little more difficult during/around Songkran, especially if you're staying around Khao San Road. Roads are closed/blocked, and even taxis/tuk-tuks/etc will not be able to get through so you may end up having to walk the last few blocks to/from your hotel - with the real possibility of getting very wet in the process (although people are generally respectful of people with luggage/etc, there's always collateral damage to worry about...)
Upvote:3
I ended up going to Luang Prabang for Lao New Year, and it was an awesome experience. From what I've heard of Songkran, it seems the atmosphere is very similar. 3 days of getting absolutely soaked with water from buckets, squirt guns and hoses and being covered in corn starch, black, orange and red food coloring. There were parades, a Miss Lao event, stupa building on the beach, etc. The best part was the little kids who absolutely loved soaking you in water.
I would recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a new year event.
Upvote:3
I know this is past now (sorry I didn't see it). However, Chiang Mai's Song Kran has to be experienced to be believed - so sorry you missed it (I didn't - again - but then I live here :D)
What you should have done was to do the Visa Run - there are no rules about returning within 6 months (there was an old rule about no more than 3 back to back walk-over the border visa waivers - but that was abolished at least 5 years ago - and a flight would have nulled that affect anyway). You would have got 15 days extension on your entry permit (not visa - just a visa waiver). This would have cost you a day trip to Myanmar (Burma) via Mae Sai (trip in VIP air con coach about 400 baht first class seat + 15 baht (fixed price) songthaew to the border) and 500 baht visa waiver in Burma (or ten dollars US) - plenty of shopping to be had there too (market and duty free).
Alternatively you could have overstayed (a risk) and paid the fine on leaving - I think it's a 1000 baht a day up to 20,000 baht (but if the cops catch you, you also get a day in prison for each day overstayed, so visa run is best).
If you had a Visa (60 day), you could have extended it 30 days at immigration (very friendly in Chiang Mai and used to tourists).