Be a "Responsible Traveler" During Thailand’s New Year – Here Are Some Songkran Tips

▲ Songkran has become a nationwide celebration. (Photo provided by Hank)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Thailand’s Songkran Festival (also called the Songkran Festival) is the most joyful traditional holiday for Thai people. During this long holiday, many city residents return to their hometowns to celebrate with family, marking the beginning of the hottest month in April with prayers for good fortune in the new year. Young people joyfully splash water on one another to collect blessings for the year, and no one gets upset or feels insulted about being drenched from head to toe, because water symbolizes blessings, bringing cool relief during the hottest season.

The Songkran Festival takes place from April 13 to 15, and is also the local traditional New Year. The Thai word “Songkran” originates from “Sanskrit,” meaning “to pass into” a new astrological phase and to begin a new year. Although Thailand’s official New Year has long been changed to January 1st, people still honor this ancient traditional festival.

Where should you go to celebrate Songkran?

▲ Songkran is celebrated all over the country, but you can focus on a few key cities. (Photo provided by Hank)

1. Bangkok:In Khao San Road, beloved by backpackers around the world, the entire area becomes a water-fighting zone during Thai New Year. You might get splashed—and even covered in flour—by smiling strangers, ending up wet and messy.
2. Chiang Mai:The entire Old City of Chiang Mai and surrounding roads are filled with flying water. Eye-catching parades and trucks packed with people shoot water at other vehicles and pedestrians using water guns, leading to massive traffic jams.
3. Ayutthaya:Offer food to alms-seeking monks. Pour water over the hands of elders to bless them with health. Join elephant water blessings. According to tradition, bathe Buddha statues and purify oneself. Wear traditional clothing, enjoy traditional parades, and savor traditional cuisine.
4. Pattaya:Start the morning by giving alms to monks and pour scented water on Buddha statues to pray for a great start to the new year. Sprinkle some scented water on the hands of elders to wish them well. Build sand pagodas on the beach, take part in folk games, and enjoy entertainment.
5. Phuket:Traditional water ceremonies for Buddha statues, sand dune building, alms-giving to monks, bartender competitions, motorcycle parades, various music performances, and local delicacies.
6. Sukhothai:Sand pagoda building contests, Songkran beauty pageants, vintage cart parades, elephant water blessings, and participation in local sports games.
7. Khon Kaen:During Songkran, major roads in the city center, including Sichan Road, are completely closed to vehicles and turned into water-fighting zones. Roads are given fun names like “Sticky Rice Road.” On the second section of Khao San Road, local youths go all out splashing water, throwing flour, dancing, eating, and drinking in celebration.

Tips for Joining the Songkran Festival

▲ Get ready to celebrate the New Year by getting completely soaked. (Photo provided by Hank)

1. Embrace the celebration with a playful spirit; don’t get upset about getting wet—it’s a traditional way of offering blessings in Thai New Year.
2. Wear lightweight clothing that dries easily.
3. Keep your wallet, phone, and camera in plastic bags to protect them.
4. Carry a small bucket or water gun to join in the fun.
5. Smile and enjoy the water fights to the fullest.

Special Customs of Songkran
When the New Year arrives, people dress up carefully to visit temples to pray for blessings, preparing an abundance of food to offer to monks and to honor their ancestors. In northern Thailand, people go to the river to collect some sand, which they pile up at nearby temples for the monks to use in construction projects. After the prayers and offerings, families gather together. The younger generation prepares flower garlands, lights candles, and pours water over the hands of their elders, wishing them good health and long life. This festival also helps to warm family relationships, especially for children, as parents often give in to their quirky requests. Kids can also play with colorful water guns, splashing water on anyone without being scolded. Young men and women gather in crowds, continuously playing and drenching each other in a joyful water fight.