Songkran is absolutely the most exciting holiday in Thailand.
Songkran is a Thai holiday celebrating the Buddhist New Year and with the vast majority of the population practicing Buddhism, it is one of the biggest festivals in Thailand! It started off as a traditional religious ritual in the 13th century to purify oneself by washing away any sins from the year before. Now, it has escalated into the world’s largest water fight! During the Songkran Festival, the whole country gets wet and wild with crazy water fights in the middle of the city!
If you want to fully enjoy the Songkran Festival in Bangkok, make sure you read on!
1. Songkran Festival Overview
Where: Almost all provinces of Thailand
When: Every year from April 13th to 15th
What to do:
- Water fights: No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you will get soaked!
- Merit-making: Visit temples and experience traditional Buddhist Songkran rituals. (e.g. Carry sand to temples and form sand pagodas, watch bathing rites of Buddha images)
2. What to Prepare for Songkran in Bangkok
What to Bring 🔫
– Water pistols and Super Soakers (They will be on sale everywhere!)
– Extra clothing to change into afterward (Many street vendors for clothes will be closed ☹️)
– Waterproof case for your phone, camera, and bags!
– Sunglasses (Not too pricey as they will be prone to damage)
– Cold medicine (You might catch a cold as you will be wet all day & night)
Keep in Mind!
– Learn the phrase “Sawadee Pee Mai!” which means Happy New Year in Thai.
– There’s no way to avoid getting wet. Just accept it and have fun! 😊
– However, if you want to stay dry, you can stay inside.
– You might get daubed in a grey-white lime paste. It stings if it gets in your eyes, so be sure to wear sunglasses!
– Monks are highly respected in Thailand, do now throw water at them.
Keep your luggage dry with our storage service!
3. How to Enjoy Songkran in Bangkok
1) Go to the best spots for a water fight in Bangkok.
– Khao San Road: Known as the backpacker’s haven, Khao San Road is the epicenter of Songkran celebrations for foreigners. Expect massive crowds, endless water fights, and a party atmosphere that doesn’t quit.
– Silom: The heart of Bangkok’s business district transforms into a water-fighting paradise, offering a more local vibe. With roads closed to traffic, Silom becomes the ultimate destination for Songkran festivities. This area is slightly more organized, with police and authorities ensuring safety.
– Siam Square: For a more diverse crowd, head to Siam Square. This trendy area attracts families, teenagers, and students, offering a perfect blend of modern Bangkok and traditional Songkran celebrations.
– Royal City Avenue (RCA): For those who want to mix water fights with clubbing, RCA is the place to be. Famous nightclubs like Route 66 and Onyx host Songkran-themed parties with DJs, performances, and, of course, plenty of water action.
2) Hop onto a tuk-tuk for the ultimate water battle!
It is a great way to sight-see around the city as well as get into a water fight at the same time. However, if you get stuck in traffic, you just might become a sitting duck! But that’s all part of the fun!
Book tuk-tuk tours in Bangkok!
- Bangkok Tuk-tuk Night Tour (Join-in/Private)
- Bangkok Half Day Tuk Tuk Tour: Temple + Local Market (+ Lunch/Dinner) (Day/Night)
- Bangkok Michelin Guide Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk
3) Celebrate Songkran with nonstop action and nightlife!
Ride through Bangkok’s streets armed with a water gun, starting with drinks at Hemingway’s before diving into the city’s biggest water fight on this epic Tuk-tuk pub crawl! Keep the party going at Soi Cowboy’s lively bars, then cap off the night with VIP entry and free shots at Juicy Bar for the ultimate afterparty.
Meet fellow partygoers and have an unforgettable night!
4) Head to the next-level Songkran festivities!
If the usual water fight doesn’t seem at all enough for you, head over to these Songkran parties which are on a whole new level!
① Water activities in Bangkok
Bangkok Siam Amazing Park: The largest recreational complex in Bangkok with an amusement park as well as a water park!
Flow House Bangkok: Bangkok’s only urban beach club with a wave-riding machine, FlowRider.
Pororo Aquapark Bangkok: The first-ever Pororo-themed water park in the world!
☞ See more activities in Bangkok ☜
② Water parks in Pattaya
If you want to take the Songkran festivities to the next level, consider heading to these water parks. Pattaya is home to world-class water parks, and they are some of the coolest places to be at during Songkran, as they turn into huge pool parties.
Columbia Pictures Aquaverse Pattaya: The world’s first Columbia Pictures-themed water park.
Ramayana Water Park Pattaya: The newest and biggest water park in Thailand.
4. What to Do After Songkran in Bangkok
Songkran is undoubtedly the biggest festival in Thailand, and the whole country becomes a playground for water fights. But wouldn’t it be nice if you could explore more of Bangkok whilst enjoying the Songkran Festival? There are plenty of attractions and sightseeing tours here in Bangkok.
Most popular activities in Bangkok:
- King Power Mahanakhon Glass Skywalk & Observation
- Baiyoke Sky Hotel Observation Deck (+ Buffet Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World Discount Ticket (+Madame Tussauds Ticket Option)
- Calypso Cabaret Bangkok Show Ticket (+ Dinner option)
- Siam Fantasy Bangkok Admission Ticket (+ Royal Galaxy Cruise Ticket option)
Take a rest after the big water fight:
- Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruises
- Exquisite Thai Lunch/ Dinner Set at Phra Nakhon (Capella Bangkok)
- 4-Course Thai Dinner at Salathip Thai Restaurant in Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok
- Thai Bus Food Tour: Bangkok City Tour Bus with Onboard Dining
☞ See more activities in Bangkok ☜
5. Looking for Songkran Action Beyond Bangkok?
Don’t be mistaken, Bangkok isn’t the only place where all the Songkran action takes place. As we mentioned before, most of the regions in Thailand celebrate Songkran! Many other regions such as Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui celebrate this festive holiday too. So, don’t worry about missing out on the fun just because you’re not headed towards Bangkok!
Chiang Mai and Koh Samui are said to have some of the largest Songkran celebrations. So, if you’re heading there this April, don’t miss out on all this splashing fun!
Check out the hassle-free luggage delivery service between cities!
- Bangkok ↔ Phuket Same-day Luggage Delivery Service (Hotel/ Airport/ Golf Course)
- Bangkok ↔ Chiang Mai Same-day Luggage Delivery Service (Hotel/ Airport/ Golf Course)
- Chiang Mai ↔ Phuket Same-day Luggage Delivery Service (Hotel/ Airport/ Golf Course)
Doesn’t this get you pumped up for the Songkran Festival this year? We’ll soon be releasing several promos you can’t wait to get your hands on in time for Songkran!
So, make sure to keep tabs on any Songkran promos by visiting Trazy.com, Your Travel Shop for Asia!
Photo Credits
Wyndham Hllis, Ben Reeves via flickr
P4137820 via photopin (license)
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas via Wikimedia Commons
Takeaway via Wikimedia Commons
