Written by Adam Whitehouse
Posted, 23rd July 2025
Ready to swap grey skies for blue, get absolutely drenched, and have the time of your life? Here’s your essential guide to Songkran, Thailand’s most epic festival.
📣 Quick answer: Songkran is Thailand’s famous New Year festival held every year from 13 to 15 April. Known as the world’s biggest water fight, it mixes joyful street parties with beautiful traditional rituals where locals and visitors come together to wash away bad luck and start fresh.
If you want to experience Songkran the right way, you’re in the perfect place. We’ve spent years exploring Thailand, diving into the chaos, and finding the best places to celebrate (and where to avoid getting a bucket of ice water dumped on your head).
There’s nothing quite like Songkran. From wild street parties to peaceful temple moments, it’s a festival every traveller should experience at least once. Many people even plan their entire Thailand itinerary around this epic celebration.
We run group tours across Thailand and are always on the lookout for the best spots and hidden gems. So, we’ve put together this complete Songkran travel guide to help you plan the ultimate adventure, whether you want to go all-out in Bangkok, join the moat madness in Chiang Mai, or party on the islands.
What is Songkran?
Songkran is Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, celebrated every April. Originally, it focused on washing away bad luck and starting the new year fresh, with water gently poured over Buddha statues and sprinkled on the hands of elders as a blessing.
Today, it has evolved into a three-day nationwide water festival that takes over every street, alley, and beach. Think giant water pistols, buckets of icy water, music pumping from every corner, and locals and travellers joining together in the fun.
It might sound like it was imagined by a cheeky teenager asked to invent a holiday: “What if everyone just had a massive water fight for three days straight?” Brilliant.
The Cultural Meaning Behind Songkran
Before you grab your water gun and rush outside, it’s worth remembering that Songkran is much more than just a giant water fight.
At its core, Songkran is a time for Thais to reflect, reset, and start the new year with a clean slate. Water symbolises purification and the washing away of bad luck and misfortune from the past year.
📎 As explained by UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, “Songkran refers to the sun’s annual passing into the Aries constellation, the first sign of the Zodiac,” which marks the traditional start of the new year in the Thai solar calendar.
Traditionally, families visit temples, make merit, pour scented water over Buddha statues, and gently sprinkle water on the hands of elders as a sign of respect and to ask for their blessings. Many people also clean their homes to clear out bad energy and welcome good fortune.
This deep cultural foundation is what makes Songkran so special. It’s a celebration of family, gratitude, and community spirit. By understanding and respecting these traditions, you’ll enjoy the experience even more and connect deeply with Thai culture. If you’re looking for a cultural experience beyond just the water fights, visiting temples during Songkran offers a beautiful glimpse into local traditions and community life.
When is Songkran in Thailand? (Songkran Festival Dates)
Songkran is celebrated every year from 13 to 15 April, marking the traditional Thai New Year. While these are the main dates, in some places like Chiang Mai, the festivities can stretch to nearly a week.
The festival happens during the hottest time of year, making the constant soaking feel refreshing and fun. If you’re visiting Thailand in mid-April, expect water fights everywhere and prepare to get completely drenched — it’s all part of the experience. It’s a highlight of the month and a must on any Thailand itinerary for April.
Best Places to Celebrate Songkran
Bangkok — Nowhere does Songkran quite like Bangkok. The most famous spots are Khao San Road and Silom Road, where the streets turn into a giant open-air party. Expect non-stop music, foam machines, and thousands of people dancing and splashing all day long. The energy is infectious, and you’ll struggle to walk more than a few metres without getting completely soaked.
Chiang Mai & Pai — Up north, Chiang Mai is known as the ultimate place to celebrate Songkran. The old city moat becomes a giant refill station, and the water fights can last for five days or more. The vibe is wild yet friendly, and you’ll be drenched within minutes of stepping outside. If you’re after an all-out water war with a more local feel, the north is unbeatable.
Islands in the South — Down south, the islands offer a fun mix of beach vibes, buzzing nightlife, and the chance to go island hopping. Phuket is famous for its wild beach parties and lively streets, while Koh Samui feels more laid-back but still full of energy. Phi Phi is another popular choice, known for its epic beach parties and backpacker atmosphere. No matter which island you choose, expect sunset parties, beach clubs, and plenty of spontaneous splash attacks.
What to Expect at Songkran
If you’ve never experienced Songkran before, get ready for something unforgettable. Picture the streets filled with people armed with giant water guns, buckets, hoses, and even barrels of ice water. Music pumps from every corner, food stalls keep everyone fuelled, and the energy is electric from morning to night.
Whether you’re exploring the alleyways of Chiang Mai, dancing on Bangkok’s Khao San Road, or splashing around at a beach party on Phi Phi, every moment is full of surprises. You’ll make new friends in seconds, get ambushed by cheeky locals, and find yourself laughing non-stop, even when you’re shivering from that ice-cold bucket someone just dumped on you.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Non-stop water fights: Once you step outside, you’re fair game. There’s no chance of staying dry.
- Music, parties, and foam: Streets become open-air dance floors with DJs, live bands, and foam machines.
- White chalk powder (din sor pong): Locals might smear this chalky paste on your face as a blessing and for fun.
- Traditional activities: Many start the day visiting temples and making merit before the full-on water battles begin.
Songkran Survival Checklist
Songkran is one of those festivals where being prepared makes all the difference. Once you step outside, there’s no escaping the splash zone. Packing smartly isn’t just about comfort — it helps you enjoy the chaos even more and avoid soggy regrets later. Packing the right gear is one of the top travel tips for Songkran and will make your festival experience much more fun and stress-free.
Here’s your ultimate Songkran survival checklist:
- A loud Hawaiian shirt These colourful shirts are basically the official Songkran uniform. They dry quickly, look great in photos, and get you in the festival spirit.
- Waterproof footwear Choose rubber sliders or sturdy water shoes. Trainers will end up heavy and soggy.
- Water weapon of choice From cheap pistols to giant backpack tanks, you’ll find everything on sale. Don’t spend too much — it might not survive the full three days.
- Eye protection Many hostels hand out plastic glasses for free. They protect your eyes from endless face shots and surprise buckets.
- Earplugs A game changer, especially in Chiang Mai where moat water isn’t the cleanest. No one wants an ear infection as a souvenir.
- Dry bag or waterproof pouch Essential. Your phone, cash, and other valuables won’t survive without one. Keep it close to your body in a belt bag or chest pouch.
Songkran Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts
Keep it respectful
- ✅ DO check if someone wants to join in before you splash them.
- ❌ DON’T throw water at monks, elderly people, pregnant women, or small children.
- ✅ DO dress modestly. Bikinis and revealing outfits are not okay, and you could even be fined.
- ❌ DON’T spray drivers or people on scooters. It’s dangerous and can cause accidents.
- ✅ DO make memories, but always respect local customs and keep it fun for everyone.
Is Songkran Worth Doing?
Absolutely. Songkran is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll remember forever. It’s not just about the party; it’s a cultural celebration full of warmth, connection, and fun. If you enjoy meeting new people, embracing local traditions, and don’t mind getting soaked, Songkran is a must.
How Many Days for Songkran?
The official festival lasts three days, from 13 to 15 April, but in some places like Chiang Mai, it can stretch nearly a week. We recommend planning at least two or three days so you can enjoy both the cultural side and the water fights without feeling rushed.
Best Place to Experience Songkran
The best place really depends on your style. If you love non-stop energy and big crowds, go for Bangkok. If you prefer a more local vibe with epic water battles, Chiang Mai is a great pick. Want beach parties and sunsets? Head to the southern islands like Phuket, Koh Samui, or Phi Phi. Each spot has its own unique energy, so choose the one that matches your vibe.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about experiencing Songkran in Thailand, along with our expert answers to help you plan your adventure.
Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year and is a time when family comes first. While the festival has deep religious and cultural roots, it’s also about joy and fun. The water fights symbolise cleansing away misfortune and starting fresh, while bringing people together.
Throwing water is about cleansing and renewal. Originally, water was poured over Buddha statues and the hands of elders as a blessing. Over time, this evolved into the playful water fights you see today, believed to wash away bad luck and bring good fortune.
Thai people visit temples to make merit and bathe Buddha images. Younger people show respect to elders and monks by gently pouring water on their hands. There are also parades, dancing, traditional performances, and of course, the famous street-wide water fights.
Officially, Songkran runs for three days, from 13 to 15 April, marking the Thai New Year. In many places, especially in Chiang Mai, celebrations stretch for nearly a week. During this time, the entire country transforms into one giant water fight and party.
Conclusion: Songkran in Thailand
Songkran is an experience like no other. One thing is certain, you’ll never be bored during this epic festival.
This unique celebration offers the perfect mix of tradition, community spirit, and pure fun, meaning every type of traveller will find something to love. Whether you’re dancing through the lively streets of Bangkok, joining the playful moat battles in Chiang Mai, or soaking up the sun at an island beach party, there’s always a new moment to enjoy and a new friend to meet. Whether you’re building a Thailand itinerary for the first time or coming back for more, Songkran is a true bucket-list event.
With so many unforgettable experiences, you’ll leave Songkran with incredible stories and a strong desire to come back for more.
And if you’d like to join us on one of our Thailand group tours to experience Songkran in the best way possible, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in South East Asia & Australia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time & nightlife. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends.
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