Whether you have been living in Thailand for 20+ years like us or it’s your first time coming through this amazing country, Songkran is one of the most exciting festival to experience. It celebrates the Thai New Year and it revolves around the sprinkling and splashing of water throughout the country.
Each Thai province observes Songkran in its own unique way with events and traditions to keep you busy for days. In Bangkok, it is a unique spectacle on its own because Thais leave the city to go back to their hometowns; leaving it strangely empty. Those who are left are usually in the hospitality and tourism industry. Of course there is also the influx of tourists and expats who prefer to stay back during the holidays.
Photo credit: zoomtoasia.com
If you are planning to be in Bangkok in April (and we highly recommend that you do) there are plenty of activities and things to do during Songkran, which will make your visit extra memorable. Here are the top 5 things we can think of.
1. Do it the traditional way
Although water splashing and water battles has become an increasing trend in Thailand, it’s not what Songkran is all about. It is first and foremost a cultural festival that symbolizes purification and the washing away all of their sins or bad luck with moderate use of water. It is a time when Thais make their way back to their hometown to spend time with their elders, visit temples and make merits.
Sure as a tourist or traveler you probably won’t have the chance to do that unless you have Thai relatives or friends living in the rural provinces.
However, you could always opt for tours or activities that mimic the traditional way of spending Songkran.
Photo credit: thaifestivalblogs.com
On Songkran, wake up early in the morning and head to one of many temples in Bangkok such as Wat Pho, Wat Saket or Wat Traimit to experience Songkran merit-making and other traditions. Here you will see locals pouring water on Buddha images and on the hands of monks as a sign of respect.
Thais are very friendly and helpful people so don’t be shy to approach them and ask if you can join in. They would be more than happy to oblige.
2. Play with locals on the streets
After a day of reverence, it’s time to hit the streets of Bangkok and play Songkran with the locals. Shop owners, restaurant and even hotel staff usually set up watering stations with massive buckets full of ice-cold water at the side of the street and splash people as they walk by.
Photo credit: novotelbkk.com
The best places to have the ultimate Songkran experience are the streets of Silom, Khao San, Sukhumvit and RCA. You can even venture out a bit to less crowded areas such as Thonburi and Bang Krachao for an even more local experience.
Back in 2015, we had the time of our life when we joined groups of Thais and foreigners who were literally engulfed in all out water battle. Teams were somehow made and they would charge at each other with water guns, buckets and hoses. Amid the chaos, laughter and kind gestures ensued so as to ensure that it was all for fun and games.
Tip: be respectful of people when splashing water on them. Avoid hitting the eyes and if someone really does not want to get wet, don’t splash them. Just be courteous and above all, be careful.
Tip 2: finding the right place to celebrate Songkran really depends on personal preferences. Crowded places are usually the main streets such as Silom and Khao San but they can get a bit hectic. Best thing to do is to pick a spot and start walking around till you find a place and crowd that looks most appealing to you. Wherever you go, be sure to connect with the people around you, share conversations and just have a good time, responsibly!
3. Splash around at a pool party
All over Bangkok, hotels also love to get in on the Songkran festival with wild pool parties. The vibes here are completely different than on the streets and are usually targeted at expats. Expect a lot of booze, BBQ food and good music at these parties.
If pool parties are your scene, then definitely check out one of these happenings in April 2016.
AmWet Aqua Songkran Pool Party
Location: AmBar Bangkok
Date: 13th April; 12 PM – 9 PM
Location: Pathumwan Princess Hotel.
Date: 9th April: 3 PM – 9:30 PM
W Bangkok presents Splash Away Pool Party
Location: W Bangkok Hotel
Date: 13th April: 1 PM – 8 PM
Location: Double Tree by Hilton Sukhumvit
Date: 2nd April: 2 PM onwards
4. Attend S20 the ultimate Songkran music festival
In its second year running, the S20 music festival is going to be the biggest and baddest Songkran event in Bangkok. This 3-day event will feature some of the biggest international DJ names with headliners such as Nicky Romero and Afrojack. Party go-ers and music enthusiasts are surely going to have an amazing time as they get showered with cool water allowing them to dance all night to pulsating beats during this hot Bangkok season.
Too cool for the summer?
5. Opt for dry Songkran parties
Some places in Bangkok really dislike Songkran and getting wet and they know there are people who feel the same way. That’s why they hold their own dry events. That doesn’t mean they are any less fun.
Take CRAFT Bangkok’s Songkran festival for example. At this event you can enjoy quality food, music and drinks without getting drenched in water and covered with powder.
Be on the lookout on for more events such as this or ask around on Bangkok-based Facebook groups.
Tip: if you really don’t want to risk getting wet, we honestly recommend staying home. We’ve seen a lot of people protest against Songkran but guess what, it is part of the experience of being in Thailand during this time. The Thais love it so who are we to say they shouldn’t do it? Get with it or stay home. If you absolutely must get out, take a cab to your destination and definitely avoid the streets.
Unfortunately, we won’t be here in Thailand during Songkran as it is our most favorite festival. We love Songkran and we hope so will you.
Featured image credit: On Trails
Very interesting. I find it fascinating that each region celebrates in their own unique way! I’d love to experience this. When I was in Bangkok I got wet plenty of times, but mostly because it was rainy season 😉
what month did you come? The rainy season actually usually starts right after Songkran…strangely. Literally it’s like Songkran causes the rain to happen…maybe cause of all that water evaporating to precipitate to rain.
Hope you get to come soon and experience this. Maybe next year, hopefully we’ll be here but maybe not because it’s the time we get time off from work to travel.
I had no idea there’s a DRY part of this festival or about pool parties. I’m not a water gun fan so probably would opt for those.
We love the water gun fights but understand many do not. The pool parties are indeed an option but chances are, people have water guns there too but are less likely to soak you with it than on the streets. Best thing is to stay in the pool. Dry parties are good option but the heat will probably want you to get wet anyways.
I’ll admit that I’ve never heard of Songkran. I love that it is a spiritual event with a lighter side to it. The squirt guns and water stations throughout the city would be a blast to experience. My kids would be in heaven!
Kids and grown up kids like us love it too 😉
I think you should experience both facets of it. The religious/spiritual one but the crazy one too.
I love Thailand and have been back four times, but never during April’s Songkran festival. Looks like there’s a lot of options to partake in the cultural festivities!
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It’s so interesting to read about New Year celebrations around the world. Growing up in the rural midwest, they didn’t get acknowledged too often. Living in New York, there is so much to learn! I recently learned of the Persian New Year, and now this one! Looks like a fun celebration!
It sure is! Actually, I didn’t know till now, that Songkran is actually celebrated in Cambodia and Laos as well. It’s an amazing festival among many others celebrated here. You must visit this part of the world, sometime.
Some of the hotels here in Doha with Thai restaurants in their property will be celebrating Songkran as well and I was invited to one! Weeeee! I can’t wait! Seeing this post made me all the more excited! 🙂
Have fun! I would love to see pictures of this. Let us know how it goes.
I’ve never seen such a huge group of strangers paying water guns on the streets together. It’s definitely a good way to cool off in Bangkok, it looks like so much fun!
OMG Lily, you have no idea. Probably the biggest water fight in the world. Amazing way to make friends, locals and tourists/travelers. It’s a must experience and yes definitely awesome way to cool off (and very cold, freezing water).
That looks like a really fun and interesting cultural experience. The music festival looks like my kind of event. Really enjoy reading about your experience in Asia since I’m thinking of going to teach there.
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Wake up early, go to a temple and experience the cultural side to Songkran. Go back home, get rest, maybe go to a mall (don’t go out so you don’t get wet) and relax with food, etc. Then go to a street Songkran experience. Have a few drinks with locals. Then finally, head off to the music festival.
You can do it one day (crazy day) or break it along 2-3 days.
This looks so fun. I didn’t experience Songkran, but I’d love to see it both the traditional and with water guns. I’ve only been to Bangkok, however the more I read about Thailand, the more sure that I’ll be visiting again. 🙂 Hopefully in time for Songkran!
Sounds like great fun! I don’t think I could do a whole day of it but for a short while it energizing.
Oh we’ve done 3 straight days of this. It’s amazing. But we can understand the resistance.
Are restaurants around Chinatown or some of the more local Thai restaurants and street food stalls closed during Songkran?
Hi Jeremy, that is a great question. Although this is the one holiday when most companies are off, restaurants, hotels, bars and the like are usually open. However, local mom-pop stores and restaurants are likely to be closed. Street food stalls also tend to be closed but some might be open to cater to crowds of tourists/Thais playing songkran on the road. I can’t be certain though but it won’t be like you won’t find anything just a bit harder than usual. Hope that helps.
Thailand becomes a mad water fight during the week of Songkran. If you want to see thousands of adults acting like excitable 10 year old then Khao San Road is a good place to be.
I live in Thailand most of the time and always try to avoid Songkran. If it was done in correct meaning of the festival there would be very few problems….but every year there are literally hundreds killed because of their stupidity. The “Farangs” seem to get more silly than the Thai people. So if you want to participate be respectful, if someone doesn’t want to be drenched with water, then respect their wishes. Above all ,Be Safe.
You are absolutely right Peter, the deaths and craziness beats the purpose of the festival. We definitely do not condone disrespectful way that people celebrate Songkran. Having said that, I love songkran and the awesome parties and water fights. I never avoid it. Just had the best 4 days! But again, like you said, be respectful. Don’t splash who don’t want to be splashed and there should be zones for it. I always go there.