Thailand's Songkran Water Festival Guide
People having a good time with water guns in Thailand during the Songkran Water Festival

Songkran in Thailand is one of the most exciting and unique festivals in the world. Taking place from April 13 to 15 every year, this traditional Thai New Year celebration is famous for its massive water fights, cultural rituals, and vibrant street parties. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, experiencing Songkran Festival in Thailand is a must.

What is the Songkran Water Festival?

The Songkran Festival, also known as the Thailand Water Festival, marks the beginning of the Buddhist New Year. Rooted in deep traditions, Songkran is more than just a fun-filled water battle and it represents cleansing, renewal, and good fortune for the coming year.


Here’s what makes Songkran in Thailand truly special:

  • Symbolic Cleansing: Water is poured over Buddha statues, monks, and elders to wash away bad luck and welcome a fresh start.
  • Community and Family Bonding: Families reunite, and locals gather to offer prayers, give alms to monks, and pay respects to their ancestors.
  • Massive Water Fights: The highlight of Songkran is the nationwide water battle, where everyone joins in tourists, locals, children, and the elderly.

For three days, streets turn into water-filled playgrounds, with water guns, buckets, and hoses ensuring no one stays dry. But Songkran is not just about the fun, it’s also a time for reflection, gratitude, and new beginnings.

Where to Celebrate Songkran in Thailand?

While Songkran Festival is celebrated throughout Thailand, some cities take the festivities to another level, while others offer a more calm experience. Here are the best places to experience Thai New Year celebrations:

Bangkok

  • Khao San Road: The ultimate backpacker hotspot, where water fights last all day and night.
  • Silom Road: A long stretch filled with massive crowds, DJs, and dance parties.
  • Sanam Luang & Temples: For those looking for a cultural experience, head to the temples to witness traditional ceremonies.
  • Siam Songkran Music Festival: World Class DJ’s coming together to celebrate the Thai New Year with Music and Water.

Chiang Mai

Home to Thailand’s biggest Songkran water fight, Chiang Mai’s moat provides endless water supply for non-stop splashing.

  • Traditional temple visits and cultural performances make Chiang Mai’s Songkran a perfect mix of tradition and fun.

Phuket

  • Celebrate Songkran by the sea, with parties on Patong Beach and lively entertainment along Bangla Road.
  • More relaxed than Bangkok, perfect for families who want both fun and a tropical getaway.

Pattaya

  • Songkran in Pattaya extends for a full week, offering non-stop beach parties, live music, and street parades.
  • Ideal for party lovers looking for an extended Thai New Year celebration.
Street in Bangkok full of people that got wet during the Songkran Water Festival

How to Prepare for Songkran Festival in Thailand?

Songkran is an unforgettable experience, but being unprepared can quickly turn excitement into frustration. Between the water fights, the intense heat, and the crowded streets, knowing what to bring and how to respect local customs will make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable celebration.

Dress for the Occasion

Songkran is the ultimate water festival, so expect to be completely drenched within minutes of stepping outside. Lightweight, quick-dry clothing will help you stay comfortable throughout the day, while waterproof sandals or shoes will protect your feet from slippery streets and puddles. A waterproof phone case is a must to keep your device safe while you capture the action or navigate your way through the festivities.

Pack the Essentials

With all the excitement of Songkran, having a few key items on hand will make your experience even better. A water gun is the most important festival accessory, and while you can buy one in Thailand, prices tend to spike during the event. Sunscreen is essential since you’ll be outside for hours in the strong sun. A microfiber towel will help you dry off quickly between water fights, and a waterproof bag will keep your cash, ID, and other valuables safe from the inevitable splashes.

Respect Thai Culture

While Songkran is known for its fun and chaotic water fights, it is also a deeply spiritual and cultural event. Always be mindful of the traditions that make this festival special. Avoid splashing monks, elders, babies, and street vendors, as they may not be participating in the festivities. If you plan to visit temples, dress modestly and be respectful of ongoing ceremonies. Songkran is a time for joy and celebration, and being considerate of those around you will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Keep Your Songkran Budget in Check

Songkran is all about soaking up the fun, whether it’s indulging in street food, exploring festival hotspots, or stocking up on water fight essentials, but with so much happening, it’s easy to lose track of your spending. From tuk-tuk rides to delicious Thai snacks to that extra water gun you just had to have, small purchases add up quickly.


The MaaltalkNow Budget Tracker makes it simple to stay on top of your expenses by allowing you to log costs in real-time and keep an overview of where your money is going. Whether it’s for food, transport, or festival gear, a little budgeting goes a long way in making sure you enjoy the celebrations without any unexpected surprises.

screenshots of how to use MaaltalkNow’s Budget Tracker for a Thailand trip

Is Songkran Worth It?

Songkran is an experience like no other, blending deep-rooted traditions with vibrant celebrations. If you enjoy cultural festivals and high-energy events, this is something you won’t want to miss.


Why You’ll Love Songkran:

  • It’s one of the biggest and most exciting water festivals in the world, where streets turn into lively arenas of music, laughter, and splashing fun.
  • It’s a chance to connect with locals and experience authentic Thai culture in a way that goes beyond sightseeing.
  • It’s a unique mix of tradition and adventure that makes for an unforgettable travel experience.

For those looking for a quieter way to celebrate, smaller towns and temple grounds offer cultural performances, rituals, and a more peaceful atmosphere.

People smiling and having fun during Thailand’s water festival

Stay Connected During Songkran

Songkran is one of the busiest times to travel in Thailand, and having a reliable internet connection makes it easier to navigate crowded streets, find the best festival spots, and share your experiences as they happen. The MaaltalkNow app helps you choose the right Thailand eSIM with AI-powered recommendations based on your trip details like duration, location, and data needs.


When you purchase through the app, you’ll also receive an exclusive 10% discount on your eSIM.


Best eSIM Options for Thailand


With reliable coverage throughout Thailand, with Maaltalk’s travel eSIM you can stay in touch, check maps, and post your Songkran highlights without worrying about slow connections or roaming fees while making the most of the celebrations.