Songkran, one of the most important festivals of Thailand, is an event with few counterparts around the world. An occasion of mental and physical purification, the festival traces its origins to a spring harvest celebration in ancient India, and is also seen as a passage of celestial bodies of one zodiac to another. 

A little-known fact to foreign nationals is that it also signifies the beginning of the Buddhist New Year. This factoid is also a reminder of why one needs a guide - Songkran isn’t just an occasion to throw water on each other, but an irreplaceable facet of Thai culture. 

With all that said, let’s start getting into the customs to follow, things to respect, and tips to remember as you observe one of the most interesting aspects of Thailand. 

Travelling during Songkran

An important thing to know about Songkran is the differences in celebration across the country.

The more tourist-oriented cities treat the festival as a time of revelry, sometimes with alcohol, and this includes Bangkok. It’s no exaggeration to say that these particular cities get a little wild, so if you’re within city limits, it would be better to move around on foot. However, in places like Chiang Mai, there is more focus on the cultural and religious aspects of the festival, a much more tempered and safe celebration.

If neither of these appeals to you as a visitor, there are ways to avoid participating altogether. In this case, you should find refuge - there are certain designated “no-splash” zones in the bigger cities, such as the temples and commercial malls. One can also plan a day or two of indoor activities to occupy oneself. 

Songkran Etiquette

Before we dive into the Do’s and Don’ts of the Songkran festival, let’s remind ourselves what’s so important about Songkran and why it is so special to the Thai people.

To the Thais, Songkran centers around the symbolic use of water to cleanse the misfortunes of the past year and bring blessings of prosperity and happiness for the new year. Many Thais travel home to celebrate with family and take part in local festivities. Traditionally, water was gently poured over Buddha statues and sprinkled on elders and loved ones as a gesture of respect, gratitude, and blessing. Although it’s evolved into a three-day nationwide water-fight in the modern day, it’s a good thing to know going in - not everyone celebrates for the same purpose. 

As for basic etiquette, here is what one should remember :

• DO check if your intended target is playing or participating.
• DON’T toss water at the clergy, the elderly, and the pregnant.
• DO dress for the occasion - nothing skimpy, indecent, and items you can move around in easily.
• DON’T splash or spray people in the face or with aggression.
• DO remember to have fun - it is a festival, after all!
  

Necessities for Songkran

Packing for Songkran goes beyond the basics of sunscreen and hydration, and certain essentials can enhance the experience.

One of the most common recommendations is to get a water gun - though there's no need to splurge, you probably won’t use it beyond Songkran days. Next, eye protection, like clear glasses, can shield against unexpected splashes, while earplugs help prevent infections, especially in places where the water source is less than optimal. In the same vein, waterproof footwear, such as rubber slides or water shoes, is crucial for navigating the waterlogged streets. A reliable dry bag is essential for safeguarding valuables - many phones have met an untimely demise at Songkran. The last suggestion is purely optional - but you’ll want it to fit in - a brightly coloured Hawaiian shirt. It’s the unofficial uniform!

Seeking a Place to Stay

For the heart of the action, Silom is the epicenter of Songkran’s excitement, transforming into a lively water wonderland where streets overflow with revelers armed with buckets and water guns. For accommodations, Silom caters to all budgets - luxury seekers can enjoy breathtaking views, while budget-conscious visitors can stay in social and affordable options just steps away from the action.

To keep some distance from the action and your base of operations, it might be wise to stay in a locale like the Bangkok CBD, or a Bangkok hotel near the MRT, like the residences found at the Modena by Fraser Bangkok - whose serviced apartments are a practical, yet effortless merging of form and function - simplicity personified in the beating center of Bangkok. 

Potential guests will find themselves with easy access to the MRT, especially through the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center station, which provides transportation to areas like Silom within 3 stops.

Conclusion

So, to recap what we know - Songkran is more than just a nationwide water fight - it’s a festival deeply rooted in tradition and renewal. Understanding the festival’s significance helps in appreciating its traditions, even for those who prefer to stay in dry, designated “no-splash” zones for a peaceful escape. From the symbolic use of water for blessings to showing respect through proper etiquette, whether joining the excitement or observing from afar, being prepared with essentials like a water gun, waterproof gear, and the iconic Hawaiian shirt ensures a fun and memorable experience. 

It’s also wise to indulge in a great accommodation partner for your stay, so that you can have a comfortable place to relax after a full day’s worth of water-based shenanigans. If you’re searching for a conveniently set location in the middle of Bangkok’s boroughs, Modena by Fraser’s immaculate residences remain a great choice, even for the Songkran Festival period.

With such offers as the Summer Splash offer, you can avail yourself of discounts of up to 25%, and even net the waterproof cases mentioned in our recommended items! To learn more, contact us, or book with us directly - to make a good vacation great.