The contest is now closed. Congrats to Sebastian Fung for winning!
Happy New Year! It’s that time of year again when many of us begin a new journey, adopt a different perspective or create new goals. From trying new activities to making a commitment to improving their health and happiness, January 1 is an opportunity to reimagine and recreate your life.This is very similar to Thailand’s New Year, known as Songkran, which focuses on washing away your old habits and negativity to welcome a new year of self-renewal and good fortune.
To celebrate the New Year in both North America and Thailand, we’re collaborating with the lifestyle company, ClassPass. ClassPass is a monthly fitness membership that gives you access to unlimited fitness classes in any of their 36 cities internationally. By discovering new workouts and experiences, ClassPass encourages people to not only put a focus on enriching their life during the New Year, but all year long. ONE lucky winner will win a trip to Bangkok, Thailand for 6 days and 5 nights with one guest to experience Songkran firsthand, with our #ClassPassThaiGiveaway New Year’s promotion. You’ll also be staying in The Peninsula Bangkok from April 11-16, with complimentary breakfast (NOTE: The required departure date is April 10, 2016 and return date is April 16 ,2016).
Are you excited? We are too! But before we get to the rules and how to enter, we wanted to share some background on Thailand’s version of the New Year celebration! You might be inspired by our traditions and perhaps, even try them for yourself!
(Psst: if you really can’t wait, details on how to enter along with the official rules are below or click here if you can’t wait — or Click here for the prizes!)
Songkran – Thailand’s New Year
The Songkran festival is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year between April 13 and April 15. A typical routine to celebrate Songkran usually begins with merit-making in the morning and visiting local temple and offering food to the Buddhist monks are commonly practiced. Pouring water on Buddha statues is considered an iconic ritual for this holiday – it represents purification and the washing away of sins and bad luck (similar to how Western New Year’s resolutions are to be symbolic for a fresh start). We also make a promise (or resolution) to live healthier in Thailand.
As a festival of unity, people who have moved away usually return home to their loved ones and elder family members. As a way to show respect, younger people often practice water pouring over the palms of elders’ hands.
The holiday is known for its iconic water festival, which is mostly celebrated by young locals and many tourists from all over the world. Major streets are closed for transportation means, and are used for as arenas for water fights. So don’t be afraid to get wet!
ClassPass and Thailand’s #ClassPassThaiGiveaway New Year Contest
With the largest network of fitness studios, ClassPass empowers people to explore their city and try new experiences. You have the ability to discover active routines that work for you, whether thatʼs yoga and barre, indoor cycling and boxing, or dance and Pilates.
The most amazing part about exploring new activities in your city is how much strength and courage it gives you to dream even bigger. That’s why Thailand and ClassPass want to give you the chance to see the world – all because you challenged yourself. By entering the #ClassPassThaiGiveaway contest you will share your stories, moments and photos of a new experience you have tried and want to try in the New Year. You can read all about the amazing prizes here.
Now, it’s your chance to show us your skills on social media by entering this contest. From January 19 to February 19, 2016, post an image on Instagram or Twitter using #ClassPassThaiGiveaway to describe a new experience you tried for the first time, or experiences you want to try.
Whether you’ve made a pact to plant your own vegetable garden, try one new class a week, spend more time creating your own smoothies, or simply vowed to spend five minutes a day to meditate and relax, we want to know what big – or small – differences you’re making in your life. By posting your image on Twitter or Instagram, you’ll be entered to win a trip for 6 days/5 nights in Bangkok to experience Thailand’s New Year. Accommodations provided by The Peninsula Bangkok.
How to Enter:
- Make sure you follow @ThailandInsider on Twitter OR Instagram and You must also follow @ClassPass on Twitter OR Instagram
- Post a photo (i.e. selfie, image of the class you just signed up for, food image of something you just learned to cook, etc.) showing us how you plan to explore new experiences to your Instagram OR Twitter as your New Year’s Resolution
- In the caption, explain to us what your new experience is for the new year
- Be sure to include #ClassPassThaiGiveaway and tag @ThailandInsider AND @ClassPass
- (Optional) Sign up for our Thailand e-newsletter here
If you need some inspiration, see samples below.
#ClassPassThaiGiveaway Prizes!
Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only (read official rules to see where exclusions apply). The final winner will be selected no later than February 21, 2016.
- 2 roundtrip flight tickets in economy to Bangkok, Thailand from a major U.S./Canadian airport to be redeemed for April 10 – 16 only for the winner and chosen guest
- 5 nights/6 days at The Peninsula Hotel Bangkok in the Grand Deluxe Room with complimentary breakfast for 2
- The winner will share a room with their chosen guest
- NOTE: The departure date is April 10th, but you will arrive in Bangkok on April 11 due to the travel time; therefore your hotel accommodations will be April 11-16
Now you know the rules and prize, let us tell you a bit more about your potential home in Bangkok if you win – The Peninsula Hotel Bangkok.
The Peninsula Bangkok perfectly mixes timeless elegance and sophistication with contemporary comfort and technology. Its distinctive wave-shaped design affords each of the 370 rooms and suites stunning panoramic views over the historic Chao Phraya River. The hotel features the magnificent Peninsula Spa by offering treatments that layer Thai, European and Ayurvedic philosophies for an entirely new experience. Guests can relax in a Thai pavilion by the 88-metre three-tiered swimming pool, indulge at the Fitness Centre with a gymnasium, sauna, whirlpool and steam rooms.
The Grand Deluxe Room is situated on the upper floors of the hotel. Bathed in warm, natural sunlight, the graceful interiors feature rich Thai fabrics, traditional ceramics and the classical lines of Thai design. The elegant design is enhanced with the ultimate in modern technology, including high-speed wireless internet access, mood lighting and electronically controlled curtains.
