Join the locals and travelers in celebrating Songkran Festival Thailand’s iconic water celebration that welcomes the Thai New Year with laughter, blessings, and endless splashes!
From lively water fights to temple visits, Songkran brings people together in a joyful celebration that captures the heart of Thai culture.
The Meaning Behind Songkran Festival?💥
The word Songkran comes from Sanskrit, meaning “astrological passage.” It marks the movement of the sun into Aries and symbolizes new beginnings. Traditionally, Songkran was a time for families to gather, pay respect to elders, and visit temples. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant, nationwide festival that combines religion, community, and fun.
The Spirit of Water and Renewal
Water plays a big role in Songkran. It represents purity and good fortune, washing away the misfortunes of the past year. What began as a gentle act of pouring water on Buddha statues and elders has now become a cheerful street tradition of splashing water with joy and blessings.
When and Where Is Songkran Celebrated?
Songkran takes place every year from April 13 to 15 across Thailand. Major celebrations light up cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.
Why is Water Splashing a part of Songkran?💦
From Ritual to Festival
What started as a calm and respectful ritual has turned into Thailand’s biggest nationwide water fight. Locals and tourists arm themselves with water guns, hoses, and buckets, soaking everyone in sight all in the name of good luck and fun!
Where It Happens
You’ll find water fights happening everywhere from busy city streets and temple courtyards to hotel zones and beaches. Some spots even host DJ sets, foam parties, and street parades, turning the event into one huge celebration.
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Modern and Traditional Ways of Celebrating Songkran💕
The Songkran Festival is deeply rooted in Thai traditions, blending fun with meaningful rituals. Here are some of the most cherished activities during this celebration:
Traditional Ways of Celebrating Songkran
Traditional Activity | Description | Why It’s Meaningful |
Water Blessings | Locals gently pour water on Buddha statues or over elders’ hands as a symbol of purification and respect. | Represents washing away bad luck and welcoming blessings for the Thai New Year. |
Visiting Buddhist Temples | Many Thais visit temples early in the morning to make merit, light incense, and join peaceful prayers. | A moment of calm reflection before the lively festivities begin. |
Building Sand Pagodas | Families bring sand to temples to build pagodas adorned with flags and flowers. | Symbolizes giving back to the temple grounds and attracting prosperity. |
Songkran Parades | Streets fill with traditional music, dance, and beautifully decorated floats celebrating Thai heritage. | A colorful showcase of local pride and community spirit. |
Paying Respect to Elders (Rod Nam Dam Hua) | The younger generation pours scented water on their elders’ hands to show love and gratitude. | Strengthens family bonds and expresses respect across generations. |
Community Clean-ups & Home Blessings | Families clean homes, schools, and temples to welcome the New Year with positivity. | Marks a fresh start — clearing away negativity and inviting good fortune. |
Modern Ways of Celebrating Songkran
Modern Celebration | Description | Why It’s Popular |
Citywide Water Fights | From sunrise to sunset, locals and tourists fill the streets with water guns, hoses, and buckets. | The most iconic part of Songkran — fun, laughter, and togetherness everywhere! |
Songkran Parties & Music Festivals | Expect lively DJs, foam parties, and open-air events in places like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. | Brings a festival atmosphere with modern beats and endless energy. |
Floating Lanterns | People release lanterns decorated with flowers and candles into rivers or lakes. | Symbolizes letting go of worries and making wishes for good luck. |
Beauty Pageants & Cultural Shows | Communities host contests showcasing Thai costumes, dance, and music. | Blends traditional beauty with entertainment — great for culture lovers. |
Celebrating with Elephants | Visit ethical sanctuaries to playfully splash water with Thailand’s beloved national animal. | A unique and heartwarming experience for animal lovers. |
Social Media & Street Photos | Travelers and locals capture every splash and smile to share their Songkran adventures online. | Keeps the festive spirit alive and spreads Thai joy worldwide. |
Best Places to Experience Songkran in Thailand😘
Chiang Mai – The Heart of Tradition
Chiang Mai is one of the oldest and most traditional places to experience Songkran. The city comes alive with a week-long extravaganza that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Join the vibrant procession, relish cultural performances, and witness breathtaking rituals.
Don't miss the cultural hotspots like Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, and Ping River, where the festivities reach their zenith. Immerse yourself in the warmth of local hospitality and experience the essence of Thai heritage in its purest form.
Bangkok – The Capital of Celebration
Bangkok, the bustling capital, welcomes visitors with open arms during Songkran. Embrace the best of both worlds with traditional sand pagoda building competitions and modern water fights that take over the city streets.
Khao San Road, Silom, and Phra Pradaeng are some of the top locations to experience the pulsating spirit of Songkran in Bangkok. Alongside the fun, you’ll find parades, traditional ceremonies, and street parties.
Pattaya – Songkran by the Sea
Pattaya is the place to be for a week-long celebration of Songkran. This seaside city hosts full-blown water fights, foam parties, and sand sculpture competitions. The highlight of the celebrations is Wan Lai, an event featuring parades, beauty pageants, and cultural shows.
Don't miss the celebrations at Beach Road, Walking Street, and the pristine beaches of Pattaya. Revel in the joyous atmosphere while experiencing the thrill of a water war by the sea.
Phuket – The Tropical Water Festival
Phuket transforms into a city-wide party during Songkran, with water fights and foam parties taking center stage. Enjoy the beach vibes while splashing your way through the vibrant streets and beaches.
Patong Beach, Bangla Road, and Wat Pho are some of the key spots to join the festivities. Dance to the music, indulge in scrumptious seafood, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Tips for Enjoying Songkran Festival👯♀️
What to Wear and Bring
What to Pack or Do | Why It Matters |
Choose lightweight, quick-drying outfits or colorful shirts that match the festive mood. Avoid heavy fabrics. | You’ll stay cool under the Thai sun while blending in with the joyful local vibe. |
Use waterproof pouches or dry bags for your phone, wallet, and travel cards. | The water fights are no joke! A waterproof case saves you from unexpected splashes. |
Wear sandals, flip-flops, or waterproof shoes that dry quickly and won’t slip. | You’ll be walking and dancing all day, often in puddles, so comfort and safety are key. |
Always pause water play near temples, monks, and elders. Greet locals with a friendly smile and “Sawadee Pee Mai!” (Happy New Year). | Songkran is both playful and spiritual. By showing respect helps you experience it the Thai way. |
Streets can be crowded or blocked for parades and celebrations, especially in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. | A bit of planning helps you catch the best events and avoid long traffic jams. |
Some people add scented powder to the water for fun. Choose eco-friendly options to protect local waterways. | Keeps your celebration sustainable and safe for the environment. |
Checklist for Extra Cautions
Packing Checklist | Essentials You’ll Need |
Waterproof phone case | Keeps your phone safe during water battles and lets you capture all the fun moments. |
Extra clothes | You’ll get soaked multiple times for having a dry set means you can stay comfortable for dinner or temple visits. |
Sunscreen & hat | April in Thailand is hot and sunny. Protect your skin while enjoying the outdoor festivities. |
Water gun or bucket | Your weapon of choice for joining the fun! Pick a refillable one for endless splashes. |
Eye protection | Sunglasses or goggles help protect your eyes from soapy or icy water during street fights. |
Reusable water bottle | Stay hydrated so the excitement and heat can drain your energy quickly. |
Small towel or wet wipes | Handy for quick cleanups after the festivities. |
Cash in waterproof pouch | Many vendors sell snacks and drinks, but not all accept cards. |
Join the Fun to Celebrate Songkran with Trip.com🌸
Songkran Festival is more than a holiday and it’s a celebration of life, unity, and happiness. Whether you prefer traditional temple visits or wild water fights, there’s a place for everyone to join in the joy.
Book your flights to Thailand and hotels in Thailand on Trip.com today and experience the magic of Songkran firsthand. You won't regret it!
FAQs about Songkran Festival
What is the meaning of “Songkran”?
“Songkran” comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘passing’ or ‘approaching’, which refers to the sun moving into Aries on the zodiac. It’s a time to mark the end of the dry season and the start of the rainy season, as well as to cleanse away the bad luck and sins of the past year.What should I wear for Songkran?
You should wear something light, comfortable, and quick-drying. You should also avoid wearing white or expensive clothes, as they might get stained or damaged by water or powder. You should also wear sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.What should I bring for Songkran?
You should bring a water gun, a bucket, or a water bottle to join the water splashing fun. You should also bring a waterproof bag, a towel, and a change of clothes to keep your valuables and yourself dry. You should also bring some cash, as many places don’t accept cards during Songkran.How can I stay safe during Songkran?
You should be careful of the traffic, as many roads are closed or crowded with people and vehicles. You should also be respectful of others, and avoid splashing water on monks, elders, children, or anyone who doesn’t want to participate. You should also avoid drinking too much alcohol, as it might impair your judgment or cause dehydration.How can I say Happy New Year in Thai?
You can say “Sawasdee Pi Mai”, which means “Happy New Year”. You can also say “Suk San Wan Songkran”, which means “Happy Songkran Day”. You can also add “Kha” or “Khrap” at the end to make it more polite, depending on your gender.