Written by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department Information provided by / Tourism Authority of Thailand
The Thai Songkran Festival (also known as the Songkran Festival) is the most joyful traditional New Year festival for Thai people. During this long holiday, many city residents return to their hometowns to reunite with family and celebrate. In the hottest month of April in Thailand, preparations begin to pray for good fortune in the new year. Playful young people splash water on each other to collect a year’s worth of good luck. Getting drenched from head to toe doesn’t cause anger or humiliation because water symbolizes blessings, bringing cool relief during the hottest season.
The Thai Songkran Festival (also known as the Songkran Festival) is the most joyful traditional New Year festival for Thai people. During this long holiday, many city residents return to their hometowns to reunite with family and celebrate. In the hottest month of April in Thailand, preparations begin to pray for good fortune in the new year. Playful young people splash water on each other to collect a year’s worth of good luck. Getting drenched from head to toe doesn’t cause anger or humiliation because water symbolizes blessings, bringing cool relief during the hottest season.
During the Songkran Festival, people of all ages across Thailand join in the celebrations, creating a lively and festive atmosphere!(Image provided by / Tourism Authority of Thailand)
The Thai Songkran Festival takes place from April 13 to 15 and is also Thailand’s traditional New Year. The Thai word “Songkran” originates from “Sanskrit,” meaning “to pass into,” entering a new astrological phase and starting a new year. Although Thailand’s official New Year has long been changed to January 1, people still respect this ancient traditional festival. Visiting Thailand and experiencing this grand festival firsthand by participating in a unique water-splashing celebration can leave unforgettable memories and allow you to experience the true local culture and customs of Thailand.
At the Songkran Festival events, many tourists also join in the water fights, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. This photo was taken on the streets of Bangkok. (Image provided by / Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Where to Celebrate Songkran & Join in the New Year Festivities?
Seven Top Songkran Festival Hotspots
Seven Top Songkran Festival Hotspots
◎ Bangkok
In Khao San Road, beloved by backpackers worldwide, during Thailand’s New Year period, the entire area sees young Thais and foreigners splashing water at each other. You might get drenched and dirty from head to toe with water and flour thrown by laughing strangers.
◎ Chiang Mai
Throughout Chiang Mai’s Old City and surrounding roads, water splashes everywhere. Eye-catching beautiful parades and trucks packed with people spray water vigorously at other vehicles and pedestrians using water guns, causing major traffic jams.
◎ Ayutthaya
◎ Ayutthaya
Offer food to monks who are almsgathering. Pour water over the hands of elders to bless them with good health. Spray water on elephants as a form of blessing. According to tradition, bathe Buddha statues and purify oneself. Wear traditional clothing, enjoy traditional parades, and savor traditional cuisine.
◎ Pattaya
◎ Pattaya
Give alms to monks in the morning and pour spiced water over Buddha statues to pray for a great start to the new year. Sprinkle some spiced water on the hands of elders to bless them with health, build sand towers on the beach in competitions, and enjoy folk games and entertainment.
◎ Phuket
◎ Phuket
Traditional water-pouring rituals for Buddha statues to pray for blessings, building sand dunes, almsgiving to monks, bartender competitions, motorcycle parades, various music performances, and local cuisine.
◎ Sukhothai
◎ Sukhothai
Sand tower building competitions, Songkran beauty pageants, and vintage-style cart parades. Elephants spray water for blessings and participate in local sports games.
◎ Khon Kaen
◎ Khon Kaen
During the Songkran Festival, main roads in the city center and Sichan Road are completely closed to vehicles, turning into a water-splashing playground. The roads are also given fun names like “Sticky Rice Road.” On the second Khao San Road, local youths engage in enthusiastic water fights, throwing flour at each other, dancing, eating, drinking, and celebrating in full swing.
Thailand’s iconic animal — the elephant — also plays a role in Songkran Festival activities. (Image provided by / Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Tips for Participating in Songkran Festival Activities
Five Tips to Make Your Songkran Experience Even Better
1. Approach this celebration with a playful mindset. Don’t get upset about getting wet — it’s a traditional way for Thai people to bless others during the New Year.
2. Wear light, quick-drying clothes.
3. Keep your wallet, phone, and camera in plastic bags to protect them.
4. Carry a small bucket or water gun to join in this fun and exciting water party.
5. Join in the water fights with smiles and laughter.
Five Tips to Make Your Songkran Experience Even Better
1. Approach this celebration with a playful mindset. Don’t get upset about getting wet — it’s a traditional way for Thai people to bless others during the New Year.
2. Wear light, quick-drying clothes.
3. Keep your wallet, phone, and camera in plastic bags to protect them.
4. Carry a small bucket or water gun to join in this fun and exciting water party.
5. Join in the water fights with smiles and laughter.
A wide variety of Thai attractions, homes, streets, and more become the backdrop for the Songkran Festival, creating an exceptionally lively and festive atmosphere exclusive to the New Year period. (Image provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Learn about Thai New Year traditions
Thailand hosts many traditional festivals and celebrations throughout the year. While enjoying the joyful atmosphere of Songkran, you can also learn about Thai New Year customs. It’s observed that when the New Year arrives, people dress up carefully and head to temples to pray for blessings, prepare abundant meals to offer to monks, and pay respects to ancestors. In northern Thailand, people collect sand from the riverbanks and pile it up near local temples for monks to use in construction projects. After praying and paying tribute, families gather together, and the younger generation prepares flower garlands, lights candles, and pours water over the elders’ hands to wish them good health and long life.
Thailand hosts many traditional festivals and celebrations throughout the year. While enjoying the joyful atmosphere of Songkran, you can also learn about Thai New Year customs. It’s observed that when the New Year arrives, people dress up carefully and head to temples to pray for blessings, prepare abundant meals to offer to monks, and pay respects to ancestors. In northern Thailand, people collect sand from the riverbanks and pile it up near local temples for monks to use in construction projects. After praying and paying tribute, families gather together, and the younger generation prepares flower garlands, lights candles, and pours water over the elders’ hands to wish them good health and long life.
When Songkran is in full swing, it seems the whole of Thailand turns into a water world, with no one escaping a thorough drenching. (Image provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)
- 1
- 2