6 Exciting Places to Celebrate Songkran Festival in Bangkok

Bangkok is the place to be during Songkran, Thailand's vibrant New Year celebration, when both locals and tourists come together for an exhilarating mix of non-stop water battles, live concerts, dance parties, great food and rich traditions.

But first, what exactly is Songkran? Originating as a festival to welcome the spring harvest back in ancient times, water is the most important feature of Songkran as it symbolises cleansing and purification.

Thais commemorate Songkran by pouring water on Buddha statues and the hands of elders as a mark of respect and to ask for blessings, also visiting temples to offer prayers and food to monks.

Over the years, it has evolved to become a major attraction for tourists who head to Bangkok to take part in wet and wild water fights on the streets and soak in the party atmosphere in a city that never sleeps.

Where to Celebrate Songkran in Bangkok

There are so many ways to celebrate Songkran in Bangkok. Here’s a quick guide to the best spots for parties, food, entertainment and culture:

Silom Road

Silom Road is one of the city's longest and busiest streets, which transforms into a massive party zone during Songkran. Closed to traffic for the occasion, the pedestrian-only, 5-kilometre stretch teems with locals and tourists armed with water guns, hoses, and buckets. The atmosphere is electric, with DJs, live music, and spontaneous dance parties adding to the festive mood.

Getting there is easy. Take the MRT at Queen Sirikit station and get off at Silom station, where the Silom Road party awaits.

Khao San Road

Famous for its lively ambience and backpacker vibe, Khao San Road is a hotspot for travellers looking to experience Songkran’s fun and wild side. The street is lined with bars and street vendors, making it easy to grab a bite or drink between water battles. Join the crowds united in joyous celebration, and immerse yourself in the full festival spirit. To get there, take the MRT from Queen Sirikit station to Hua Lamphong station, where you can easily take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Khao San Road.

IconSiam and CentralWorld

For a more family-oriented Songkran experience, head to major shopping plazas such as IconSiam and CentralWorld. These megamalls will keep families with small children entertained with a range of activities from cultural performances to beauty pageants. They also offer a safe environment for kids to get soaked, making them a perfect spot to celebrate Songkran in Bangkok. Locals and tourists can also take part in the traditional practice of pouring water over Buddha statues for good luck and prosperity. 

To get to IconSiam, take the MRT to Silom station, and walk to Sala Daeng BTS station, where you can connect to the train going to Saphan Taksin station. There, a complimentary ferry service takes you to IconSiam. For CentralWorld, take the MRT to Sukhumvit station, then walk to the connecting Asok BTS station. From there, take the train to Chitlom and walk 400 metres to CentralWorld.

Music Festivals In Bangkok

Music lovers are spoiled for choice during Songkran. Festivals like Waterzonic, Siam Songkran, and S20 mix water fights with energetic music performances and more. Join the enthusiastic crowds for entertainment by local musicians, international DJs and themed stages.

Sanam Luang

Sanam Luang is the site for a more traditional Songkran celebration. This open field near the Grand Palace hosts the Royal ceremony where revered Buddha statues are paraded for public viewing. It's a place to observe and participate in the religious aspects of Songkran, offering a more serene and subdued experience. To get here, ride the MRT to Sanam Chai station, then walk to Museum Siam and take a bus to Sanam Luang.

Wat Pho and Wat Arun

At the revered temples of Wat Pho and Wat Arun, go back in time as you participate in age-old rituals such as pouring water on Buddha statues and elders' hands. The practice is a mark of respect and also to symbolise the washing away of past sins and bad luck in order to usher in a new year. To go to Wat Pho, take the MRT to Sanam Chai station. From there, take a 6 minute walk to the temple. To visit Wat Arun, ride the MRT to Itsaraphap station, which is a 15-minute walk away from the Temple of Dawn.

A Memorable Songkran Retreat at Modena by Fraser Bangkok

Want to be close to all the action? Modena by Fraser Bangkok’s ideal location next to an MRT station makes commuting a breeze, while offering the full comfort and facilities of a hotel residence in Bangkok.

After a day drenched in excitement, retreat to Modena by Fraser Bangkok for a well-deserved rest. Enjoy the comforts of home in our serviced apartments fully equipped with a kitchenette and all the facilities from 24-hour gym to swimming pool to make your stay a memorable one under our award-winning care. 

Ideally located 5 minutes from Queen Sirikit MRT station, you are within easy reach of Songkran festival venues and Bangkok’s major attractions from shopping malls to heritage sites and local markets. Whether you’re in town for the full month of Songkran or just  a few days, Modena by Fraser
Bangkok caters to both short and extended stays. This flexibility is ideal
for travellers who want to experience Songkran at their own pace.

Ready for an unforgettable Songkran adventure Ready for an unforgettable Songkran adventure in Bangkok? From 19 March to 22 April 2024, enjoy generous savings of 25 percent off best available rates at Modena by Fraser Bangkok, as well as complimentary breakfast and Songkran survival kit. On top of that, Fraser World members are rewarded with double bonus points during this period. Book directly with us and enjoy the benefits now!