What is Songkran Festival?
Is this the world's largest water fight?
Every year, from April 13 to 15, Thailand celebrates the New Year with the Songkran Festival. The celebration, which is observed throughout Thailand, is well-known for its water fights. Songkran Festival is a joyful and exhilarating festival where people splash each other with water. The celebration also features traditional Thai food, music, and ceremonials from various religions. Songkran Festival originally started as a time of the year to symbolically wash away the sins and back luck of the previous year in order to celebrate the Thai New Year and the beginning of the summer season.
Here is a travel guide to Thailand's Songkran Festival:
Why is water throwing such a big part of Songkran Festival?
For most travelers, hearing that a whole country will be throwing water as part of Songkran Tradition might sound fun but unusual. Water splashing isn't just a random activity on Songkran Day even though Thai people are lovers of fun.
The splashes' true purpose is to symbolically wash away all bad luck from the previous year and usher in a new one with a clean slate.
In the past, Thai people would courteously pour a bowl of water on their family, close friends, and neighbors. This traditional bowl has transformed into throwing buckets and water guns as Songkran Festival has gotten more joyful over the years. It's fair game for both locals and travelers now.
When is Thai New Year's Day and Songkran Festival?
Every year, Thai New Year's Day, also known as Songkran officially falls on April 13th. Depending on the city, the celebrations typically last until April 15 or 16.
How is Songkran celebrated in Thailand?
On the first day of Songkran Festival, it's customary to give the house a complete cleaning on the first day of the celebrations to revitalize the setting. In many cities, there are also sizable processions and parades with Buddha sculptures and images.
Wan Nao, or the second day, is the customary New Year's Eve. On this day, many of the more spiritual ceremonies are performed, and practicing Buddhists attend temples and construct unique "sand chedis," or sandcastles designed to resemble miniature temples.
On the third day of the festivities, offerings are left at the temples.
Can tourists celebrate Songkran festival?
Yes! If you're traveling around Thailand in April, you can definitely join in the celebrations and participate in the country-wide water fight.
Songkran Tips for Tourists Celebrating
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you're celebrating Songkran Festival in Thailand:
- Wear light, comfy clothing that you don't mind getting wet. Avoid dressing in rude or overly revealing clothing.
- Bring a waterproof pouch or bag to keep your valuables safe
- During the festival, be on the lookout for pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas.
- Keep hydrated and wear sunscreen and sunnies.
- Due to the water on the roads, it is best to avoid driving during the event.
Best Places To Celebrate Songkran In Thailand
No matter where you are in Thailand, be prepared to get soaking wet!
Thailand's major cities, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, are the most popular places to celebrate Songkran Festival. But Thai New Year celebrations can be found across the entire country.
Songkran celebrations are famous for the greatest parties and massive water fights around the country. While Songkran is celebrated throughout Thailand, each city has its unique style and customs. Songkran in Chiang Mai is more of a traditional Thai New Year, with both locals and visitors visiting temples to honor Buddha. Songkran festivities in Pattaya however are renowned for being very wild, while festivities in Phuket are generally a little more laid back and beachy unless you're on Bangla Road.
Buy a water gun or bucket in advance if you want to take part in the water battles. Bringing a towel and a change of clothes is also a smart plan. Be considerate of other people and refrain from splashing water in their faces, particularly if they choose not to participate.
How do people celebrate Songkran in Bangkok?
The best places to party in Bangkok during Songkran Festival are:
Khao San Road
Don't miss Khao San Road if you enjoy a chaotic party. Once you enter, you'll get drenched to the bone in a fierce water fight that spans the entire road!
You can even get all the booze you're gonna need inside at any of one of the many bars that are open during Songkran, some of which will have live music and DJs.
Silom Road
The largest and wildest Songkran crowd in Bangkok is typically found in Silom. This street, which is primarily known for Patpong, is packed on two levels over its entire 5-km length.
If you're keen for a more traditional Thai New Year, check out:
Phra Pradaeng district
Phra Pradaeng is where the Thai-Raman communities observe their Songkran traditions. The festivities are rich in cultural importance and take place here about a week later than in central Bangkok.
Not only will you get wet here, but you'll also get to take part in a variety of cultural events like the Thai-Raman flag ceremony, the traditional saba game, Raman dances, boat races, a parade of floral floats, and more.
Sanam Luang
Sanam Luang, which is across from the Grand Palace, is the venue of holy festivals. The Buddha figure "Buddhasihing" is taken out of the National Museum on the first day of Songkran and led around the streets while being showered with water by onlookers.
In order to allow those who were unable to attend the parade to still pay their condolences, the image is then kept there for three days.
How do people celebrate Songkran in Chiang Mai?
Although the Songkran parties in Bangkok are the wildest, not many places do as much water-throwing as Chiang Mai, which makes it one of the most popular to visit for Songkran.
Visit Tha Pae Gate in the Old City to take part in a 4-kilometer water fight along a former moat. There'll be heaps of street stalls for food, drinks as well as music. Parties take place everywhere around the moat, but the several temples in the Old City offer a more relaxed, authentic experience.
How do people celebrate Songkran in Pattaya?
Pattaya takes Songkran to the next level. Even if you're late to the party, Pattaya carries on the party for a whole week long! There will also be Wan Lai Festival celebrations on 19 April.
The best place to find a water fight in Pattaya is along Beach Road. It's decked out with ice buckets, water guns, and foam parties.
What happens in Phuket during Songkran?
As Thailand's most popular island location, Phuket also has lots of fun Songkran festivities. Some parties even last from day 'til night. The party hotspots in Phuket during Songkran are Patong Beach and Bangla Road. There's even a parade, a Miss Songkran beauty pageant, and an intense water fight.
How do I say Happy New Year in Thai?
"Sawadee Bee Mai," which translates to "Happy New Year," are probably the words you'll hear the most all-around Thailand during Songkran.
Thailand Local Traffic Guide during Songkran (refer to: Penghu Local Traffic Guide)
- Phuket car rental: 30% OFF, starting at USD 29.94
- Bangkok car rental: 30% OFF, starting at USD 30.76
- Instant confirmation, free cancellation (limited time only)
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