The Thai Songkran Festival is as important to Thais as the Lunar New Year is to us — a festive occasion filled with blessings and prayers for good fortune in the coming year. Every year, people from all over the world gather to celebrate this internationally renowned Thai festival. But amid the fun, participants should also be mindful of certain things to avoid violating local taboos. Today, besides sharing the 2020 Songkran dates, let travel experts tell you about its significance and key details.
The Meaning of Songkran
The Thai Songkran Festival is a celebration of the New Year and a prayer for good fortune in the coming year, much like our Lunar New Year. In fact, besides Thailand, other countries in the Indochina region such as Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia also observe it. As Buddhism is Thailand’s national religion, Songkran is also known as the Songkran Festival (Songkran), which actually comes from the Sanskrit word for the sun’s transition into spring — essentially the vernal equinox, marking the beginning of a new year.
2020 Thai Songkran Festival Dates
The Thai Songkran Festival (also called Songkran) usually takes place over three days from April 13 to 15 each year, though the exact timing may vary slightly depending on regional solar terms. For 2020, the Thai Songkran Festival falls on April 13–15 (three days total), but there may be one or two days of variation in different areas. Overall, however, it’s celebrated during these dates.
★ Recommended Itineraries: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya
Hotspots for Songkran Celebrations Across Thailand
Chiang Mai
# Ancient City Walls & Moat
Water fights often revolve around the city walls, with the Thapae Gate (East Gate) and Chang Puek Gate (North Gate) being particularly lively.
Transportation:As the ancient city of Chiang Mai is not very large, it’s generally recommended to take a tuk-tuk from your hotel.
#Central Festival Chiangmai
Central Festival Chiang Mai, one of the largest shopping malls in northern Thailand, sees huge crowds in its plaza during Songkran and is another hotspot.
Transportation:Take the shuttle bus from the ancient city area to the mall (10:30 AM – 8:30 PM)
Bangkok
# Khao San RoadKhao Shan Road
Khao San Road is known as the backpacker paradise, packed with numerous hostels, massage parlors, and bars. It's also where the largest gathering of Westerners can be found. During the Songkran Festival, it gets incredibly crowded. If you want to experience the most intense water fights, this is the place to be!
Transportation:Take the Bangkok BTS Skytrain to Ratchathewi Station, then transfer to a taxi to get near Khao San Road. Traffic control is enforced during the festival.
＃Silom RoadSilom Road
Silom Road hosts a weekend market every Sunday. The famous Sala Daeng Night Market is also nearby. Spend your morning playing in the water fights and your evening exploring the night market for a bite to eat—super delightful!
Transportation:Take the Bangkok MRT to Silom Station or the BTS Skytrain to Sala Daeng Station.
＃Royal PlazaThe Royal Plaza
Bangkok’s Royal Plaza is famous for the Democracy Monument, which was built to commemorate the birth of Thailand’s first constitutional monarchy. During the festival, large crowds gather around the monument.
Transportation:Take the BTS Skytrain to Victory Monument Station.
＃Siam SquareSiam Square
Siam Square is one of Thailand’s must-visit department store hubs. During Songkran, the plaza features performances by artists and various foam machines, making it a hotspot for young people.
Transportation:Take the BTS Skytrain to Siam Station.
★ Recommended Attractions: ASIATIQUE Riverside Market, ERAWAN Shrine, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, The Vana Nava H2O Water Jungle, and Chocoland
Ayutthaya
＃Ayutthaya Ancient City Outskirts
Located north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya consists of many ancient temples and city walls, some of which are even UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Remember to take off your shoes and dress modestly when entering the temples.
Transportation:Take the Bangkok MRT to Hua Lamphong Station, then transfer to the Hua Lamphong Railway Station exit to take a train to Ayutthaya Railway Station, followed by a tuk-tuk ride to the ancient city.
Pattaya
＃Beach Road
Trust us, you’ll definitely get soaked from the beach all the way to the street. The road is lined with countless foam machines, and the music from nearby shops turns the area into an outdoor EDM party—super lively!
Transportation:Due to road closures during the festival, you can only take a songthaew to the outskirts and then walk to Beach Road.
★ Recommended Attractions: Pattaya Floating Market, Ancient Rome Show, Emerald Buddha Hill Club, Khao Chee Chan (Buddha Mountain), and Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Songkran Festival Taboos
Before joining the crazy water fights, there are some taboos you should know — otherwise, what starts as fun could end in tears, ranging from fines to even arrest.
Clothing must not be revealing
There’s no official definition of “revealing,” but wearing just a bikini or going topless is absolutely not allowed. Sleeveless tops are also generally considered inappropriate under Thailand’s standards for festival attire.
Don’t dance provocatively
The main party areas will definitely have people from all over the world, and nearby vendors might play music — but don’t mistake it for an outdoor nightclub. Sexy dance moves might get you into trouble.
High-pressure water guns are banned
Every year, the Thai government urges everyone not to go overboard. In such a densely crowded celebration, even if you think you’ve judged the distance well, it’s very easy to accidentally injure someone who suddenly appears — so they’re prohibited.
No alcohol allowed
If you’re hoping to drink and party while experiencing the Songkran Festival, sorry to burst your bubble — the Thai government has regulations in place to prevent unnecessary issues, and alcohol sales are not permitted around the main festival streets.
Be careful what water you use
Not just any water can be used for splashing. Throwing dirty water is not only highly disrespectful to local culture, but it can also get you fined.
Songkran Festival clothing suggestions
Clothing & shoes
For visiting the Songkran Festival, it’s recommended to wearlightweight, quick-dryingclothing, since most Songkran event areas implement traffic controls, and people usually take public transport to get there. April is peak hot season, with temperatures often hovering around 40°C, so the air conditioning on the metro can be very strong. If your clothes aren’t quick-drying, the sudden changes in temperature can easily lead to catching a cold. For shoes, it’s best to wear waterproofclosed-toe shoes— after all, flip-flops are more slippery, and sandals run the risk of getting stepped on in the crowds.
*Little reminder:Parents with young children are advised to prepare extra sets of clothes for them — it’s extra insurance, oh~
Must-have accessories
# Glasses, goggles:
Mainly to prevent water from getting into your eyes, because the water quality is somewhat questionable, and conjunctivitis could easily become an issue.
# Neck-mounted sealed waterproof pouch:
Can be used to store personal items that must not get wet, such as your phone, keys, and metro cards.
?# Drawstring waterproof pouch:
Although there are usually lockers at MRT stations, they can be hard to come by during the Songkran Festival due to the huge crowds. It’s advisable to buy a wearable waterproof bag—either before your trip or from a local mall—to carry your belongings.
*Little Reminder:Since crowded places also attract pickpockets, it’s safer to leave important documents like your passport and ID in your hotel locker.
#5Spare Thai baht coins
Don’t plan to fill up your water gun at your accommodation before heading out—station staff will require you to empty it before boarding public transport. You’ll have to fill it up at the festival venue, where nearby vendors offer pre-filled water tanks for 5 baht each. Usually, they don’t give change, so make sure to prepare small bills in advance.
Songkran Is More Than Just Water Fights
To kids, Songkran might just seem like a fun water gun battle, but the water splashing actually carries meanings of cleansing both the body and spirit—sometimes talcum powder is even added to the water. Beyond the water fights, locals alsobathe the Buddhaby first offering the statue flowers and incense, then pouring traditional scented water over it.
*Little Reminder:Please refrain from splashing people aged 65 and above or children under 2—it’s considered impolite.
What’s the white paste being smeared?
You might have seen a white paste being applied during the celebrations. It’s actually powdered limestone, used to symbolically wash away the bad luck of the past year and bring blessings. However, be aware that due to reports of harassment, Thai authorities have banned the use of limestone paste in high-traffic areas like Khao San Road. The measure aims to prevent misuse under the guise of festive smearing.
The Thai Songkran Festival is a joyful celebration full of blessings. Next spring, why not experience this Thai New Year with family or friends? Start the year on a positive note and bid farewell to the past.
By Jess Han | Tripresso Travel Editorial Team
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