Songkran: A Celebration of Water, Fun, and Joy

Songkran, also known as the Water Festival, represents the traditional New Year in Thailand, and is a long public holiday that is celebrated from 13 to 15 April every year. Water plays a huge part in the festive celebrations, ranging from the sprinkling of lustral water at temples and splashing water on friends and strangers alike, to full-scale water fights with squirt guns, buckets and hoses.

As Songkran occurs during the hottest time of the year, everyone participates eagerly in the fun. Along with the splashing of water, there are endless entertainments staged throughout the country, numerous Miss Songkran pageants where contestants are clothed in traditional Thai dress, and wherever you are, you will be guaranteed one of Thailand’s great cultural experiences.

The traditions of Songkran go back centuries. Mornings begin with merit making where families visit local temples offering food to the monks, and pouring scented water on the Buddha images and on the hands of elders. This symbolises washing away the year’s misfortunes. As the festival of unity, people who have moved away usually return home to their loved ones and elders, and pay reverence to ancestors, which is an important part of the Songkran tradition.

Where to celebrate Songkran

Bangkok

Wherever you go in Bangkok, there will be water splashing, music, food and fun to keep the party running day to night. There are three main centres of water fighting action - at Khao San Road, Silom Road, and Siam Square. These roads will be closed to traffic, so you can easily find a place to refill your water gun and bucket.

Traditional Songkran activities such as temple ceremonies and cultural performances are best experienced in the old city centre of Rattanakosin Island and at Sanam Luang, next to the grand palace.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, the great cultural city of the North, comes alive during Songkran with vibrant Lanna-style parades and traditional temple ceremonies. The city’s cafés, restaurants and street vendors offer regional specialities, while the most exciting water battles unfold around the city moat.

Pattaya

Pattaya’s Songkran celebrations extend beyond the 15th of the month, so you can always head here to continue the fun! Beach Road transforms into the main battleground, featuring street parties with live music and DJs. The beach is lined with food stalls, and there’s even a Miss Songkran contest.

Phuket

Phuket’s Bangla Road becomes the festive battlefield, and for traditional cultural ceremonies and events, head for Phuket Town. Highlights include a procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing image around Patong Beach, a floral parade, a Little Miss Songkran beauty pageant, art and cultural exhibitions, and plenty of water splashing all along Patong Beach.

Ayutthaya and Sukhothai

These two historic cities provide opportunities to visit ancient temples and ruins, in addition to enjoying traditional parades and ceremonies. Don’t be surprised to see elephants taking part in the fun!

Taking part

Join in the water fights with gusto! There are plenty of places to buy a squirt gun or a bucket, and be prepared for a constant deluge of water. Tip: do not wear your best clothes!

Ask your accommodation host where to see a traditional parade, and the best temple in the vicinity to observe a Buddhist ceremony.

Enjoy the street food. There will be endless supplies!

Travel Tips

Participating in Songkran requires some practical preparation. Here are some tips to make your experience smooth and enjoyable:

Plan your accommodation early, as this is a peak travel period in Thailand.

Bring a waterproof bag or casing to protect your valuables. Waterproof phone cases, fast-drying towels, and a small bag for extra clothes are highly recommended for the festival.

While Songkran may be chaotic, do make sure not to throw water at monks, motorcyclists, young children, or the elderly. Use clean water only, and do not use ice cubes as they are quiet painful when being hit.

Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen; with high temperatures and constant outdoor activities, alongside being continuously wet, it is easy to forget about the heat.

Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, Bangkok is perfectly located for accessing the capital’s Songkran activities. Sukhumvit Road is a few minutes away on foot, and the nearby BTS Skytrain can whisk you to other prime areas of the celebration. Our concierge will be happy to advise you on special activities, and the best places to enjoy this wonderful time of the year.