What Is Songkran? A Guide to the Thai Water Festival

What Songkran Is

The traditional Thai New Year, usually in mid-April — has become in recent decades a massive water festival across the country, with people splashing water on each other in the streets.

What's Worth Knowing If You're in Thailand During This Period

Electronic equipment needs water protection, some businesses may operate limited hours, and traffic can be intense in the main celebration areas.

Dates, Origins and What the Festival Symbolizes

Songkran falls in mid-April, and the official dates are usually April 13 to 15, although in some cities the celebrations last additional days. It originates in a traditional ceremony of cleansing and opening a new year: young people pour a little water over the hands of elders and over Buddha images, as a sign of respect and blessing. The mass water-throwing in the streets is the modern, cheerful continuation of the custom.

Anyone who wants to see the traditional side can visit a temple in the morning and watch quiet ceremonies before the streets fill up. It's worth behaving respectfully, without soaking monks or older people who didn't ask for it.

Where the Celebrations Are Strongest

In Bangkok the big celebrations concentrate on streets like Silom and Khao San, and in Chiang Mai around the moat of the old city, where thousands take part. In beach areas such as Phuket and Pattaya there's plenty of atmosphere too. Those who want quiet will find it more on small islands and in small towns. See Bangkok and Chiang Mai for information about the destinations.

Plan your accommodation in advance, because prices rise and demand is high, and note that some businesses are closed during this period.

How to Prepare in Practice

Carry the important things in a waterproof pouch: phone, wallet, passport. Wear quick-drying clothes and shoes that don't slip. Don't carry an expensive camera if you're not sure of its protection. We strongly recommend avoiding tuk-tuks and scooters, because the roads in this period are considered especially dangerous, and riders get splashed without warning.

Those who prefer to skip the celebration can plan the trip for other days. Thailand in April describes the hot weather in this month, and in the seasons guide you'll see when to fly.

Transport and Logistics During Festival Week

In this period many Thais travel to their families, so roads, trains and flights are crowded. It's worth booking intercity transport in advance and not leaving it to the last day. Travel insurance is especially recommended, and if you're renting a scooter or a car, read the scooter rental guide before deciding.

Songkran With Children and Older Family Members

Children enjoy the celebration, but it's worth keeping them away from high-pressure water jets and very cold water, and protecting their ears and eyes. Babies and toddlers are better kept away from the main streets. Older adults don't necessarily want to get wet, so it's worth choosing calmer hours, in the early morning. Not the whole celebration has to be in the middle of the street: you can enjoy it from the side, with a drink in a café.

Keep reading

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng: how the two festivals differ and where to celebrate.