Songkran Festival in Thailand is the most famous festival in the country, celebrated with water fights and deep-rooted cultural traditions. This vibrant three-day event marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year and is one of the most anticipated holidays, drawing thousands of visitors to the country each year.
What is Songkran Festival?
The name "Songkran" originates from the Sanskrit word that means “to enter” or “to pass into,” symbolizing the movement of the zodiac. While it was once celebrated based on the lunisolar Buddhist calendar, it now has a fixed date. At its core, Songkran is a festival of renewal, washing away the old year’s misfortunes to welcome a prosperous new one. Historically, it began with a symbolic water-pouring ceremony, where water was sprinkled over Buddha statues and on the hands of loved ones as a mark of respect and blessings. Today, this ritual has evolved into one of the largest water fights in the world, where entire cities turn into playgrounds, with people soaking each other using water guns, buckets, and hoses. It is customary to wish each other 'sawatdee pi mai' or 'Happy New Year.'
Songkran Festival Dates
Songkran is often referred to as the "Water Festival in Thailand" because the most recognizable aspect of the celebration is the massive water fights that take place nationwide. People, young and old, take to the streets armed with water guns, hoses, and buckets, dousing one another in a playful and refreshing way. The water symbolizes cleansing and renewal, as well as the washing away of bad luck.
Officially taking place on the 13th of April each year, Songkran is a national holiday in Thailand. It is celebrated annually from April 13th to 15th. However, most celebrations start at least a week in advance and go on until the 16th of April.
Where to Celebrate Songkran?
Songkran is celebrated across Thailand, but some cities and regions are particularly famous for their extravagant festivities. Here are some of the best places to join the fun:
1. Songkran Bangkok
Khaosan Road and Silom Road are at the heart of the action in the capital. These areas attract thousands of locals and tourists alike for days of water fights, live music, and street parties. Silom Road, especially, is LGBTQ-friendly and known for its vibrant atmosphere. The Siam Songkran Music Festival also takes place during the festival, featuring live performances by local and international DJs.
2. Songkran Chiang Mai
Known as the cultural capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai is often considered the best place to experience Songkran. The entire city gets involved, with the Old City moat providing an endless supply of water. The city also hosts cultural performances and more traditional celebrations, such as temple visits, making it a good mix of both modern and ancient practices.
3. Songkran Pattaya
For those who love sun, sea, and sand, Pattaya extends Songkran for a full week, giving you even more time to soak up the fun. Pattaya's beachfront and streets are packed with people enjoying the festivities, offering a beachside version of Songkran that is as energetic as it is entertaining.
4. Songkran Phuket and Koh Samui
Popular tourist destinations, these islands also join in the Songkran madness with beach parties, water fights, and live music, all while offering scenic backdrops. Whether you're in Phuket's Patong Beach or Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui, you're guaranteed to find plenty of excitement.
5. Hua Hin
If you’re looking for a more relaxed version of Songkran, Hua Hin offers a more subdued celebration. It still hosts water fights and festivities but without the overwhelming intensity of the bigger cities. It's a perfect destination for those looking to experience the festival with a balance of local and tourist vibes.
What to Expect During Songkran Festival
Songkran is a festival that is popular across Thailand, although each region celebrates it differently. In the north, people celebrate by making tons of food to distribute between family, friends, and monks at the temple, as well as bursting firecrackers at night. In central Thailand, people clean up their houses and dress in traditional attire. Another symbolic gesture here is the release of wild animals like birds and fish. In the east, it is customary to visit temples, create sand pagodas, and prepare food for elderly members of the family. In the south, people commemorate Songkran by avoiding spending money and being truthful.
- Tradition and Respect: While the water fights are exuberant and fun, Songkran is deeply rooted in tradition and respect. It's a time for Thais to pay respects to their elders by pouring scented water over their hands and asking for blessings. It's also a time to visit temples and make merit by giving offerings and joining ceremonies.
- Religious Observance: Many Thais take part in religious rituals during Songkran, including the pouring of water over Buddha images to cleanse them. This is done in a solemn and respectful manner at temples across the country.
- Traditional Attire: During Songkran, many people wear traditional Thai clothing, such as brightly colored sarongs and shirts. This adds to the festive atmosphere and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Thailand.
- Street Parties: In many cities, particularly in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, the streets are filled with revelers, live music, dance performances, and elaborate parades. These events bring together both locals and tourists for a memorable experience.
- Delicious Food: Songkran is an occasion for families to gather and enjoy special holiday meals. Thai dishes like Som Tum (spicy papaya salad), Pad Thai, and mango sticky rice are commonly prepared and shared.
- Community Bonding: Songkran fosters a strong sense of community and camaraderie. It's a time when Thais return to their hometowns to be with family and friends.
- Water Blessings: In addition to playful water fights, you may also witness water blessings performed by monks. The act of pouring water over a monk's hands is considered an act of merit.
- Floral Displays: Beautiful floral displays, such as intricate sand chedis and other sculptures, are created in temples and on the streets. These intricate designs are known as "sand pagodas."
- Street Markets: During Songkran, vibrant street markets with local handicrafts, traditional clothing, and delicious street food spring up, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Thai culture.
What to Pack for Songkran Festival
- Waterproof pouches: Protect your phone, wallet, and other valuables by storing them in a dry bag or waterproof pouch. These are sold by street vendors in the lead-up to Songkran.
- Waterproof footwear: Rubber sandals or water shoes are a good idea since your feet will be wet for most of the festival.
- Water gun: From basic squirt guns to giant Super Soakers, you’ll find plenty of options at local shops. It's your essential weapon for Songkran.
- Eye protection: Goggles or sunglasses will help protect your eyes from being accidentally sprayed.
- Dry bag: A must for keeping your belongings safe and dry throughout the day.
- Long shirts: Any colorful button-down shirt has become the unofficial uniform of Songkran. If you don’t have one, you’ll find plenty of options in the markets.
- Earplugs: This might not be an obvious choice, but it's helpful for avoiding ear infections, especially in places like Chiang Mai, where moat water is often used for the celebrations.
Songkran Etiquette and Tips to Visit Songkran Festival
- Respect non-participants: Check before splashing someone. Avoid throwing water on the elderly, monks, pregnant women, or young children.
- Dress modestly: Despite the playful atmosphere, it's important to dress appropriately. Wearing swimsuits, crop tops, or revealing clothing could result in fines or arrests.
- Stay off the roads: Songkran sees a high rate of road accidents, so it’s best to avoid driving during the celebrations.
- Be gentle with water splashes: Don’t spray water directly at people’s faces or too aggressively. Also, avoid soaking motorbike riders, as this could cause accidents.
If you plan to visit Thailand in April, the Songkran festival is a fantastic time to be there. It's one of the most awaited weeks in the year, and locals eagerly welcome tourists to join them in these festivities. If you dislike getting wet, then Songkran might not be the best time to go, but if you're looking for a slice of Thai culture at its finest, what better time to visit?
