If this is your first time taking part in the festivities, fret not! We’ve got you covered from must-have packing essentials to the best places to check out for the ultimate Songkran experience.
Every year, millions of tourists flock to Thailand to take part in the Songkran Festival which celebrates tradition, culture, and fun all in one. The festival is traditionally celebrated from 13-15 April each year, but the Thai government has decided to extend celebrations to the whole month, which means a whole month of parties and festivities!
The festival traditionally marks the beginning of the Thai New Year, and the word Songkran means ‘passing’ or ‘approaching’. The act of pouring water on others represents the act of cleansing and wishing good fortune on each other, as well as washing away bad luck and misfortunes. These days, it’s extended to a time of great fun, with epic water fights vibrant parties, temple rites, street processions, and more!
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Preparing for your trip: What to Bring
It goes without saying that the most important thing to be prepared for is the water. So bring all that you need to make sure that your essentials stay dry. Here are some things that you should take along:
- Waterproof bag
- Waterproof phone case
- Quick-dry sandals or shoes (say no to soggy socks and shoes)
- Quick-dry clothes
- Towels
- Sunscreen
Be sure to use your YouTrip card while checking out and make the most of your YouTrip Perks to get discounts and cashback.
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Tips to enjoy:
If this is your first time heading to Thailand for the Songkran festivities, here are some things to note so that you can enjoy the celebrations while still being respectful of customs and the beautiful Thai culture.
- Respect local customs in different destinations
While it’s a time for fun and celebration, Songkran still carries deep cultural and religious significance to locals. Understanding the significance behind different practices and processions will help you to appreciate them better.
- Dress appropriately
The sun can get pretty hot and temperatures can rise especially in April so it’s important to stay cool, but try to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and participating in traditional ceremonies.
- Snap with respect
Taking clips and snapshots of the celebrations is a great way to remember your time in Thailand. Remember to ask for permission before taking photos of locals, or during traditional ceremonies that may be a little more solemn out of respect for the locals.
- Stay hydrated and protected from the sun
The heat can get pretty intense in April which is why water fights can be so enticing! Remember to stay hydrated and put on sunscreen to avoid getting burnt in the hot Thai heat.
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Top destinations to celebrate:
1. Bangkok
Image Credits: BK Asia
Bangkok has been one of the must-visit places during the Songkran festival, and this year is no exception. In view of the World Water Festival launched by the Thai government, different events like the Miss Songkran Parade, the Songkran Music Festival, basketball tournaments, and more will be held at multiple locations throughout the month.
The main festivities will be happening at Ratchadamnoen Avenue this year, where main streets will be closed off for water fights, foam parties, and more.
Prices: Start from ฿6,499 (~S$243) — get your tickets here!
Places to visit: Chao Phraya River, Silom, Khao San Road, around the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang
Highlights: Water fights, cultural performances, street food, parades
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2. Chiang Mai
Image Credits: Trailhead Thailand
Chiang Mai boasts some of the most elaborate festivities in Thailand, with splashing parties and events around the city.
Celebrations kick off with a unique opening ceremony with cultural performances, rituals and a procession around the city, with the streets lined with music, food, and more to celebrate the new year. Another event that sets Chiang Mai apart is the traditional lantern lighting ceremony, where thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky.
Places to visit: Moat surrounding the Old City
Highlights: Songkran procession, water fights, beauty contents, lantern display
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3. Phuket
Image credits: Aleeta Resort
Phuket is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, so you can imagine what the Songkran festivities will be like. The beaches come alive with extravagant beach parties with music, dancing, and more.
There are also other processions with colourful floats, traditional and modern dance performances, and other performances by local musicians who will parade all through the streets of Phuket.
For all you party animals, bars and clubs all around the town will come to life with Songkran-themed parties with unique concoctions, DJ sets, and more!
Places to visit: Patong Beach, Bangla Road, Wat Pho
Highlights: Water fights, street processions, nightlife
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4. Pattaya
Image credits: Holiday Inn Pattaya
Another location with amazing beaches and waterfront celebrations, Pattaya has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Celebrations are a week long, and water fights are taken seriously so it’s basically a week-long water fight! Go crazy and battle it out at the water fights along the coast armed with high-pressure water guns and ice-cold water.
The last day of festivities is called “Wan Lai”, which means the ‘day that flows’, with water fights at its peak. Locals and tourists alike will be armed with their weapon of choice, and take to the streets to battle it out.
Places to visit: Beach Road, Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach
Highlights: Songkran parade Water fights, foam parties, sand sculpture competitions
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5. Koh Samui
Image credits: Bangkok Airways
If you’re new to the Songkran festival and prefer celebrations that are a little less intense, then Koh Samui is the place for you. There’s so much to do and explore beyond the Songkran festivities!
Most of their water fights take place on the beach, and colouring is often added to the water, making the whole celebration an explosion of colours!
Places to visit: Chaweng, Lamai, Wat Phra Yai
Highlights: Water fights, street parties and processions, traditional Thai cultural shows
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6. Khon Kaen
Image credits: Bangkok Post
Khon Kaen, located in the northeastern region of Thailand (called Isaan), celebrates Songkran with a good blend of both traditional and modern festivities. The week of celebrations starts with a grand opening ceremony that’s followed by a cultural parade which showcases traditional Isaan culture with traditional costumes, folk music, and dance performances.
Another highlight in Khon Kaen is the building of sand pagodas around Lake Bueng Kaen Nakhon, which is said to bring good fortune.
Places to visit: Khon Kaen University, Lake Bueng Kaen Nakhon, Wat Nong Wang, Ton Tann Market
Highlights: Water fights, traditional water pouring, parades and processions, sand pagoda building
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7. Nakhon Si Thammarat
Image credits: Tat Newsroom
One of the less-known places, Nakhon Si Thammarat has a unique flair to its Songkran celebrations with a more Hindu touch and feel as compared to other places. The Hae Nang Kradan festival which coincides with Songkran celebrates an ancient Brahmin tradition that started thousands of years ago.
One of the highlights is a multi-media sound and light show at the Srithammasokarat Park called ‘The Magnificent Nang Dan Legend of Nakhon Si Thammarat’,
Places to visit: Srithammasokarat Park, Phraputthasihing Shrine, Thachi Market
Highlights: Traditional ceremonies at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, cultural shows and performances, processions
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8. Phra Pradaeng
Image credits: Xinhua news
Located close to Bangkok, Phra Pradaeng celebrates Songkran with its own flair and customs reflective of its traditional Mon culture. Activities such as the traditional Saba Game and its flag processions showcase the beauty and history of locals, while other events like the cultural parade and Nong Songkran Pageant provide a modern touch and excitement to festivities.
In Phra Pradaeng, celebrations also have an emphasis on the environment, with activities and workshops promoting the use of eco-friendly resources and ecosystem preservation.
Places to visit: Wat Protket Chettharam, Phra Pradaeng City Hall, Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park
Highlights: Saba game, flag procession, cultural parade, Nang Songkran Pageant, bird and fish release
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Have A Drippin’ Good Time!
Songkran is a great way to get to know Thailand and its culture while having a blast at the same time. Escape the heat and book your next trip to Thailand today! Remember to bring along your YouTrip card to get your hands on the best Thai Baht rates to shop with ease without having to worry about additional bank rates!
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