Bangkok Airways Round Up
- Songkran Festival, the wettest and wildest celebration of the Thai New Year, is set to be celebrated from 13th to 15th April annually. The streets and towns throughout Thailand transform into a massive arena for a fierce water battle, as enthusiastic tourists and joyful locals unite to celebrate fun and excitement.
- Songkran in Thailand is not only about water fights but also the celebration that preserves the deep-rooted culture of Thai people. For example, visiting a temple to make merit, bathing a Buddha statue, building sand pagodas, pouring water over the hands of the elders as a way to show respect, and dressing in a floral shirt.
Get to Know Songkran Festival in Thailand
Songkran Festival, also known as the Thailand Water Festival, is the celebration of the Thai New Year, held annually from 13th to 15th April. It’s an experience you must have at least once in your lifetime. To put it simply, it is the wettest and wildest celebration you could ever imagine. During the festival, streets across Thailand turn into lively water battlefields, where friendly strangers, spirited tourists, and cheerful locals come together to share fun and joy.
Bangkok Airways has gathered information on why Songkran Festival is so famous among foreigners as well as recommended places to fully immerse yourself in the festival.
The History of Songkran Festival in Thailand
The word “Songkran” is derived from the ancient language called Sanskrit, meaning “to pass into” or “passage of the sun,” which marks the start of a new year in the Buddhist calendar. Thus, Songkran is also known as Thailand’s New Year.
The interesting thing is that, in the past, the tradition of Songkran did not involve water splashing at all. What Thai people did in the old time was merely pour scented water on Buddha statues in temples to receive blessings, while young children pour water over the hands of the elders as well as presenting Phuang Malai, the Thai-style floral garland, as a way to show respect.
Over time, the tradition has somehow evolved into famous water fights involving all-night parties and live music we see nowadays. One could say it is a tradition several centuries long that has adapted into the modern world. Today, Songkran Festival has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
3 Reasons Why Songkran Festival Is on Foreigners’ Bucket List
When talking about Thailand, the first thing most people think of might be its tasty food and beautiful nature. However, this iconic Songkran Festival also plays a big role in attracting hundreds of thousands of foreigners into the country each year. Here are the reasons why the festival is so loved by people around the world.
1. The Fun Water Fights
First and foremost, it is all about fun! Many people love being splashed with cool water during the peak of the summer season. No matter where you are in Thailand, you will always find yourself in the wettest battlefield.
Songkran is the time of the year when everyone wakes up thinking the same thing—grab a bucket and throw water at everyone in their sight. Don’t worry if you are not equipped for the battle, as the streets will be lined up with hundreds of stalls selling water guns, buckets, ice, waterproof phone cases, and even waterproof glasses.
2. Unique Cultural Experience
Songkran is not only about water fights but also a celebration to preserve the deep-rooted culture of Thai people. Even if you come from somewhere else, feel free to experience these unique rituals together with the locals. If you seek blessings, visit a temple to make merit and bathe a Buddha statue.
If you are a water fighter, dress in a floral shirt, make a splash, and smear wet clay on each other’s faces. If you are a spectator, grab a spot to watch the lively parades accompanied by charming traditional dances and music. And finally, visit captivating sand pagodas that can be found across Thailand.
3. Festive Atmosphere
Thai people love celebrations. Whenever they have a chance to celebrate, the atmosphere will always be filled with laughter and joyous energy. Once the Songkran Festival kicks off, the town comes alive with live music and parties that could last all day and all night.
Concerts and fireworks take place everywhere while people, despite never having met before, come to sing, dance, and have the time of their lives together. You can literally feel the joy and excitement in the air during this festive time. Do not miss the chance to dive into the greatest experience that will last for a lifetime.
Since Songkran is a huge festival in Thailand, the celebration can be found anywhere in the country, no matter how big or small the town. Most of the time, lots of roads are closed in order to be turned into a walking street where revelers gather to get wet. Not only the roads, but many restaurants and other venues also gladly turn themselves into a water war zone. Here, Bangkok Airways has listed the 15 most famous places to celebrate the Songkran Festival in Thailand for you.
Top 15 Locations to Celebrate Songkran Festival
1. Khaosan Road, Bangkok
Get ready to dance and have fun splashing water, as the first recommended location is none other than the famous Khaosan Road in Bangkok. Known as a party street, it is undeniably one of the top tourist destinations where partygoers cannot miss, especially during the Songkran Festival.
The street becomes even more alive and wet at night with nightlife pubs and restaurants playing pump-up songs and strong beat music. If you want to get lost in a vibrant water-themed party, Khaosan Road is undeniably your first option.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aQNcb8K2MQVE65zT9
2. Silom Road, Bangkok
Another highlight of the Songkran Festival in Bangkok is Silom Road, the 5-kilometer-long street that is packed with people armed with water guns. Known as one of the busiest and most crowded locations for Songkran, it draws tons of people of all ages, ranging from students to business employees, storming in the area to partake in the friendly water battle. The road is usually closed off to welcome any thrill seekers during the festival. Silom Road is easily accessible, as it is located near BTS Saladaeng Station.
Google Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/PzjJ9HpKz25G82mB8
3. Siam Square, Bangkok
Siam Square, famed for its huge shopping complex and department stores, also joins the celebration by holding a famous Songkran event, which is set to start from 11AM to 10PM this year. Located in the heart of Bangkok, Siam Square is also a student tutoring center and is situated near a university. That is why you will see not only foreigners but also thousands of teenagers participating in the festival.
Get soaked up in the SongkranSiam celebration featuring countless popular T-pop artists and have a blast with delectable food stalls lining up along the festive street. To access the location, get off at BTS Siam Station.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SEAhHJx5AZYuedoP7
4. SIAM Songkran Music Festival, Bangkok
For an EDM concert-goer, SIAM Songkran Music Festival 2025 is ready to offer you the best EDM experience ever. With the top-notch DJ performances combined with the first-class visual effects, the festival is the perfect mix between Thai traditions and the upbeat electronic music, resulting in the greatest-quality Songkran EDM concert.
This year, the festival is scheduled to spread joy from 11-14 April at Bravo BKK, Arena Area (RCA, Rama 9) with the shocking headliners including Yellow Claw B2B Flosstradamus, Hardwell, Dimitri ‘Vegas’ B2B Steve Aoki, and Alesso. Get your ticket now on siamsongkran.info
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6egAm5vzERidfnz39
5. S2O Songkran Music Festival, Bangkok
If you are looking for a real water-themed music festival to pump up the jam, join the S2O Songkran Music Festival, the world-class annual festival that will make you move to the beat of western music and world-renowned DJs.
In 2025, the festival is scheduled to run from 12-14 April at Rajamangala National Stadium with the artist lineup that will shake the town: Marshmello, Alan Walker, DJ Snake, and many more. Immerse yourself in the upbeat music, get lost in the striking visual effects, and feel refreshed with the unlimited water spraying over the dancing crowd. Tickets are now available on s2ofestival.com.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pYn4eQLWW195skw76
To celebrate Songkran Festival across Thailand, whether inBangkok, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai, Krabi, or Trat, Bangkok Airways is ready to fly you to your destination with the best service experience and dive you into the traditional spirit of Thailand for unforgettable memories.
6. Bang Saen, Chonburi
If you are not yet satisfied with the three-day celebration, visit Chonburi Province, where the Songkran Festival lasts longer than anywhere else. The festival “Wan Lai,” meaning “the day that flows,” kicks off at Bang Saen Beach, which runs annually from 16-17 April.
At the crowded beach, people gather to continue the splashing ceremony as well as take part in the traditional games and local sports, such as tug-of-war and relay races. Don’t miss the highlight of the celebration, the sand building contest, where the beach is lined up with hundreds of creative sand sculptures.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4dxcqUjwpf1aeVQQ7
7. Pattaya, Chonburi
Once Wan Lai in Bang Saen is over, Pattaya, one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, becomes the next city to host the festival. During Wan Lai in Pattaya, which runs from 18-19 April, a number of beach and foam parties along the seaside street emerge from their sleep. These parties are ready to welcome any tourists and locals with cooling water blasts and lively bop music throughout the day and night. The busy beach becomes even more crowded as people eagerly search for others to splash water on.
To experience another side of Pattaya, visit the city’s temples, Wat Phra Yai and Wat Chai Mongkol, to pour blessed water on a Buddha image and enjoy the sand pagoda competition.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sq4rA2YgxADE4WQU7
8. Ko Chang, Trat
Literally translated as “Elephant Island,” Ko Chang is the third largest island in Thailand, following Phuket and Koh Samui. Once the Songkran Festival starts, this popular island will once again be flooded with a large number of tourists looking for a nice place to spend their holiday with their family and friends.
Just like anywhere else, the rule is simple: keep splashing water like there’s no tomorrow. Also, try visiting Wat Klong Prao, the temple that serves as the center of the festivity, as it holds a temple fair every night during the festival. You will be impressed by its countless food stalls and vendors selling a variety of souvenirs.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/t5DQcZW2BpfMa46m6
9. Patong Beach, Phuket
Despite being the largest island in Thailand, where the celebration takes place all over the province, Patong Beach is considered the most famous location to celebrate Songkran Festival in Phuket, as it serves as the center of the water fight venue. Patong Beach is a lively place with the most lively crowd, which is what the beach is known for.
Immerse yourself in the unique, joyful atmosphere as you enjoy the traditional performances, such as charming Thai dances, and local competitions, including a beauty contest and a sand sculpture contest.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4R2Npqt1e6zq9f4DA
10. Songkran No Alcohol Festival, Phuket
If you wish to experience a more cultural side of the festival in Phuket, join the Songkran No Alcohol Festival in Phuket Old Town, another highlight event that has been held for more than a decade. This event, as the name suggests, is a completely alcohol-free festival with the purpose of reducing accidents from drunk driving as well as allowing minors to participate.
Despite the absence of alcohol, the water celebration still resonates with the excitement of people splashing fun and concerts that light up the dance floor.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AAyACdX7qezz2Wpj9
11. Ao Nang, Krabi
Ao Nang, located on the Andaman coast in southern Thailand, is not only renowned for its stunning beaches and scenic sea but also hosts the largest Songkran celebration in Krabi province. Join the family-friendly seaside festivity in the relaxed mood while taking the chance to unwind in the serene view of the crystal-clear saltwater.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, hop on a pickup truck traveling along the one-way streets by Ao Nang Beach and join in the fun by splashing water at anyone nearby.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2k9wJT2f6vDFfJuLA
12. Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai
In the northern city, Tha Phae Gate, the entrance to Chiang Mai’s old city, stands out as the legendary Songkran Festival location. As the old city is surrounded by a moat, it also serves as an unlimited water resource for the splashing fight. Once the Songkran Festival kicks off, the one-kilometer street will be flooded with enthusiastic fighters wearing traditional Thai costumes with a water gun in their hands.
Check out the highlights featuring the grand parade, the beauty contest, and the traditional performances while visiting Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang situated inside the old town to experience the northern-style traditional rituals.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZHhsvDxGLcMNYyWQ9
13. SongKran Chiang Mai Water Fest, Chiang Mai
The uniqueness of the Songkran Chiang Mai Water Fest is that, apart from lasting more than three days, it also features a great deal of Lanna-style celebrations in order to preserve the deep-rooted culture of the city’s former kingdom, the Lanna Kingdom. Experience the cultural events that take place all over the city, mostly in temples, such as the iconic Wat Buppharam and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
During the three-day Songkran Festival, the schedule is packed with lots of traditional parades and Buddha bathing practices. Dive into the world of Lanna by trying local cuisines while cooling off in the splash battle.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8GJb5BUn7DQn9YPZA
14. Khao Tok Road, Sukhothai
As the first capital of Thailand during the 13th and 15th centuries, it is no wonder why Sukhothai serves as an important historical site of the country. The well-known location to celebrate the Songkran Festival in this province is Khao Tok Road, where merry-makers in flowery shirts make their way to spread joy and happiness by pouring water on each other as an act of blessing.
To honor the culture, the locals come together to create the spectacular religious ceremony, such as the float procession, the dance performance, and the beauty contest.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vSuz2Y2d5NxvSC569
15. Nong Chong Kham Public Park, Mae Hong Son
Visiting Mae Hong Son during the Songkran Festival is one of the best ways to be immersed in northern Thai culture. The city celebrates the festival while also preserving its true arts and traditions in many ways. Every year, the main events take place at Nong Chong Kham Public Park, situated in the heart of the city.
First, observe the parade carrying a Buddha image while it strolls through the street decorated with colorful tapestry. Then, enjoy the truly unique charm of Mae Hong Son, the northern-style traditional music performance of the Shan people, the descendants of Yunnan, China. Clearly, participating in the festival in this city allows you to experience the local culture and learn its beautiful history at the same time.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M9WWhiYYpXnvrCzu6
Explore More Songkran Places in Thailand
- Let’s Get Wet And Go Up North To Celebrate Songkran In Chiang Mai
- Celebrate Songkran In Koh Samui : Biggest Water Festival On the Island
Songkran Getaway: Fly to Thailand’s Best Water Festivals with Bangkok Airways
As you can see, the Songkran Festival plays an important role in connecting visitors across the world who are excited to experience Thai culture and traditions. Whether you are looking for a traditional ritual or a fun water fight, or both, Songkran Festival will leave you with unforgettable memories that will last forever. To celebrate Songkran in Thailand, fly directly to your destination with Bangkok Airways to enjoy the smoothest journey and receive the best service during your flight.
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