Songkran, the Thai New Year, is famous as the world's biggest water fight, but it is also a time for temple visits, family reunions, and quiet rituals of respect. For three days every April, streets across Thailand turn into joyful battlegrounds of water guns and buckets, while families gather to honor their elders and make merit. Here is when Songkran is, what it means, how to celebrate respectfully, and the best places to join the fun.
When Is Songkran?
Songkran is officially celebrated from April 13 to 15 every year. In some places, the celebrations start earlier or continue for several days afterward. It falls during the hottest time of the year, when temperatures often climb above 35°C (95°F), so the water is a welcome relief.
What Is Songkran?
Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year, based on the solar calendar. The name comes from the Sanskrit word sankranti, meaning the passage of the sun into a new zodiac sign. The festival has roots in ancient South Asian spring and harvest celebrations, and in Thailand it became a Buddhist New Year festival.
Water is at the heart of Songkran. It symbolizes cleansing and renewal, washing away bad luck from the past year to make way for a fresh start. It is also a time when many Thais travel back to their hometowns to be with family, so cities can feel quieter while villages come alive.
How Thais Celebrate Songkran
- Cleaning: Families clean their homes, a symbolic way of leaving the old year behind.
- Merit-making: People visit temples in the morning to offer food to monks and listen to prayers.
- Bathing Buddha images: Worshippers gently pour scented water over Buddha statues as a sign of respect and purification.
- Rod Nam Dam Hua: Younger people pour fragrant water over the hands of their parents and elders and ask for their blessings, one of the most touching traditions of the festival.
- Water fights: In the streets, everyone joins in, with water guns, buckets, hoses, and pickup trucks loaded with barrels. In the north, people may also dab a little white clay paste on your face as a blessing.
Songkran Etiquette
- Do not splash monks, babies, older people, or anyone who clearly does not want to join in.
- Avoid aiming at people's faces, and do not use ice-cold or dirty water.
- Be respectful in and around temples.
- Do not splash motorcyclists or drivers, as it can cause accidents.
- Smile and enjoy it. If you are on the street, you will get wet.
Where to Celebrate Songkran
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is widely considered the heart of Songkran. The moat around the Old City becomes a giant water supply, crowds gather around Tha Phae Gate, and parades with traditional dancers wind through the streets. Celebrations here often last longer than the official three days.
Bangkok
Khao San Road and Silom Road are famous for their huge water fights, while temples such as Wat Pho offer quieter, more traditional ceremonies. Many offices close, and the city empties out as residents head home.
Ayutthaya
The former royal capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a more traditional Songkran, with ceremonies among the ancient temples and even elephants joining the water splashing in some years.
Phuket and Pattaya
Beach parties and water fights fill Patong Beach in Phuket. In Pattaya, the main celebration, called Wan Lai, often takes place a few days after the official holiday, usually around April 18 and 19, so you can celebrate twice.
What to Eat During Songkran
- Khao chae: A traditional hot-season dish of rice in cool, flower-scented water, served with side dishes.
- Mango sticky rice: April is peak mango season.
- Som tam: Spicy, refreshing green papaya salad.
- Coconut ice cream: Sold from street carts, perfect in the heat.
Tips for Visiting Thailand During Songkran
- Book early: Hotels, flights, and buses fill up as millions of Thais travel home.
- Expect closures: Banks, government offices, and some shops close, but street food vendors usually stay open.
- Waterproof everything: Use a waterproof phone pouch and a dry bag, and leave valuables at your hotel.
- Dress for the water: Wear quick-drying clothes and sandals with grip. Avoid white, which becomes see-through when wet. Dress modestly for temple visits.
- Buy water guns locally: They are sold everywhere before the festival.
- Stay safe on the roads: Songkran is known for traffic accidents, so avoid driving or riding a scooter, especially after drinking.
- Stay connected: An egoViet Thailand eSIM keeps you online for maps, ride-hailing, and sharing your water fight videos, with no roaming fees.
Extend your trip with our Thailand travel guide, and see the best time to visit Thailand.
FAQs: Songkran Festival
When is Songkran in 2027?
Songkran is celebrated from April 13 to 15 every year, so in 2027 it falls on the same dates. Some cities extend the celebrations.
Is Songkran worth it?
Yes, if you enjoy lively festivals. If water fights are not your thing, visit temples in the morning or stay in a quieter town.
Is Songkran a Buddhist festival?
Songkran is celebrated as a Buddhist New Year festival in Thailand, although it has roots in older South Asian spring celebrations.
What should I wear for Songkran?
Wear quick-drying clothes and sandals, avoid white, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.