The Thai New Year: Songkran Festival in Thailand 2025/26/27

The Songkran Festival, also called the Thailand Water Festival, is an important event which marks the start of the Thai New Year. It is the largest celebration in Thailand and takes place for three to seven days in mid-April every year. During this period, the entire country celebrates by hurling water at one another and by enjoying local music, food, and fun! People pour buckets of water, aim water hoses, and fire giant, fluorescent water guns at each other. Not surprisingly, Songkran Festival has become a popular vacation destination for tourists worldwide. In fact, more than a half million visitors join in the fun and indulge in local entertainment every year. This New Year festival welcomes locals and tourists alike with open arms!

Table of Contents

1. When Is the Songkran Festival in Thailand

2. Unique Thailand New Years Festival with UME Travel

3. What Is Songkran Festival Thailand

4. Where to Celebrate Songkran in Thailand

5. How Is Songkran Celebrated in Thailand

6. Tips for Enjoying the Thailand Water Festival

Prior to 1940, the Songkran Festival was based on the lunar calendar, so the dates of the festival were always changing.  Like most other countries, Thailand now celebrates New Year on January 1, and the Songkran Festival is now celebrated in April every year.  With the festival covering three days starting on April 13 and ending on April 15, many locals take a holiday from work and stretch the festival into a week. Songkran Thailand 2025 will be celebrated April 13 through April 15 (Sunday to Tuesday).  The festival will once again be the biggest water fight in the world! Are you ready for battle in YOUR Songkran water festival Thailand? Check out more Songkran dates Thailand below if you are interested!

If you are reading this article, then you are probably someone who loves to travel! Quality vacations with family, friends, and colleagues definitely begin in Thailand, and the time to enjoy your vacation is during the Songkran Festival in April!  

By booking with UME Travel in advance, you will be guaranteeing your spot – right in the middle of the fun! This is what you can expect on your tailor-made vacation with UME Travel!

Book Now>>>5 Days Bangkok - Pattaya Songkran Festival Tour (Customizable)

Highlights of the Tour:

●In Bangkok, step into the heart of a huge water battle by Tuk Tuk!

●Watch the firetrucks, with their powerful water hoses, ambush party-goers at each intersection on Silom Road. 

●Continue to Pattaya for a week-long Songkran celebration with parades, pageants, music, and colorful nightlife.

●Celebrate like a local by building a sand pagoda and watch the bathing rites of the Buddha image.

●Visit an elephant sanctuary, wear Karen clothing, and bathe these lovable creatures.

Still not sure? Check out the following Thai itineraries offered by UME Travel and find your inspiration!

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Songkran, derived from the Sanskrit words "astrological passage", is interpreted as "move or change in the position of the Sun" and was originally based on the movement of Aries on the astrological chart. It signifies the start of the Thai New Year and is an occasion for family reunions, annual house cleaning, and visiting temples.

The first day of the festival is called National Elderly Day. On this day, Thais perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua Ritual. The ritual begins with the youth pouring fragrant water into their elder's palms to show their humility while begging for their elder's blessings. In the temples, people pour water on senior Buddhist monks in a sign of respect and blessing. The chief monk then gives a sermon and blesses those who attend the ritual of Bathing the Buddha Image. This important ritual begins with devout Buddhists pouring fragrant water over Buddha statues - both at the temple and at home – creating harmony, inner balance, and an enlightened life. 

On the second day of Songkran, or Family Day, family members rise early and give alms to the Buddhist monks.  People often dress in colorful, traditional Thai clothing, and after offering food to the monks, honor their ancestors. Merit offerings include sand to the temple for construction and the releasing of fish, birds, and other animals as a sign of respect for nature. A majority of the day is spent relaxing and spending time with family.

The high-spirited celebration of Songkran most definitely involves the water fights! Originally, Thais would pour a bowl of fragrant water on family members, close friends, and neighbors to ask for their blessings. Songkran has made some festive changes! What was once a bowl of water has turned into a bucket, a water gun, and a garden hose. These entertaining water fights are now the spirit of this holiday and celebrated by everyone for miles around!

You must wonder where to celebrate Songkran in Thailand. Actually, there are so many places for you to take part in the Thailand Songkran water festival, and you can spend your Songkran day in Thailand's cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, etc.

Songkran Bangkok

Since Songkran is a festival that honors family, half of the residents of Bangkok will leave the city and return to their hometown for family reunions.  Therefore, tourists that fly to the capital city for this colorful festival make up a majority of the party-goers!  

During the festival, remaining locals take time from their work while most office buildings, banks, and even family-run shops and restaurants are closed.  However, the big shopping malls usually remain open.  As the capital city, Bangkok has more places to party than anywhere in Thailand!

Where to go in Bangkok for Songkran:

Silom Road: This entire road is closed off to traffic during the festival, and that is where you will find the largest and wildest crowds! The street, which is 5 km long, is packed on two levels with thousands of young people carrying anything that can spray water! 

Khao San Road: This is the gathering place for backpackers from all over the world.  During the festival, the entire length of Khao San Road becomes a water-fight battlefield, and you are going to get absolutely wet from head to toe! 

>>>Read More About the Songkran Festival in Bangkok

Songkran Music Festival in Bangkok

The Songkran Music Festival in Bangkok is one of the most exciting and vibrant events that takes place during Thailand's Songkran celebration. This festival blends traditional elements of Songkran with a modern music festival experience, attracting both locals and international visitors. Here's what you can expect at the Songkran Music Festival:

Electronic Dance Music (EDM): The festival is known for its electrifying EDM performances, where top DJs and artists from around the world perform on large stages. The festival's atmosphere is filled with energetic beats and a youthful crowd enjoying the music. It is an "unlimited-fun event". It is, no doubt, the biggest celebration of the Songkran festival, and it takes the party to the next level. At this hip and happening music festival, top-class DJs from all around the world are in charge of the music!  Some of the popular international DJs present in the past have been DJ Snake, Mashd N Kutcher, Sick Individuals, Oliver Heldens, Krewella, and Ummet Ozcan.  Also included were TUJAMO and OOKAY. It is popularly known among the locals as S2O; the S stands for Songkran and 2O stands for 2O from H2O…which symbolize the crazy water-play that takes place in this city!

Water Fights and Foam Zones: True to Songkran traditions, water is a big part of the festival. You'll find foam zones where attendees can dance under jets of water or foam machines, adding to the fun. Water guns and hoses are also commonly used, so participants should come prepared for the splash.

Street Parties and Interactive Experiences: The festival is typically held in large venues or public areas, such as RCA (Royal City Avenue) or Siam, where the streets are transformed into party zones. Interactive installations and light shows enhance the immersive experience, and some events may even feature live art or performances.

Food, Drinks, and Vendor Stalls: Many food and drink stalls line the streets or venue areas, offering traditional Thai street food along with international snacks. This is a chance to sample local favorites while enjoying the festival atmosphere.

Thematic Decor and Visuals: The festival features incredible stage designs and visual effects that enhance the experience. LED screens, large-scale projections, and lighting effects are often incorporated to create a captivating environment.

Dress Code: It's common for attendees to wear comfortable, light clothing that can get wet. Many people also wear brightly colored clothes or themed outfits, often incorporating the vibrant spirit of Songkran.

Festival Duration: The event typically lasts for several days, coinciding with the Songkran holiday, and is often one of the main attractions in the city during this period.

The Songkran Music Festival in Bangkok is a unique fusion of cultural celebration and modern entertainment, making it a must-visit for those seeking a lively, memorable experience during Songkran. If you plan on being a part of this event, you will need to purchase tickets well in advance!

>>>Let UME Travel book your tickets so you don't miss a thing!

Songkran Chiang Mai

Celebrating Chiang Mai Songkran festival can lead to a new level of excitement – this is where you have the most fun!  You may be able to find the biggest parties in Bangkok, but if you're looking for the best water fights, you can find them in Chiang Mai.   One of the most popular places in Southeast Asia, Chiang Mai can be a hell of a lot of fun in the middle of April!  

Where to Celebrate Songkran in Chiang Mai:

The Pae Gate: This part of the Old City is where you will enjoy a water fight that runs the length of the old moat – 4 km of fun!  Street stalls sell everything you could possibly need to take your stand in the water fight.  In addition to unending water battles, there are celebrations along the moat with more laughter and light-heartedness than you can imagine!

>>>Read More About the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai

Songkran Phuket

The Songkran celebrations in Phuket are on an international level and are the most exciting places to visit. It seems as if the entire city, tourists and locals alike, enjoy the continuous water battles using water guns, water cannons, and water buckets!

Where to celebrate the Songkran Festival Phuket:

Patong Beach: Undoubtedly the noisiest place during Songkran, this is where you will find the most bars and the best nightlife – in addition to huge water fights, of course! You will also be entertained by a huge parade and a Miss Songkran beauty pageant. Too much to fit into three days!

>>>Read More About the Songkran Festival in Phuket

Songkran Pattaya

Referred to as "The Party City", Pattaya residents find it hard to cram their partying into three days…so their celebration of the Songkran festival lasts longer than anywhere else in Thailand! The water fights begin on April 13 and last for an entire week, so make Pattaya your own "party city"! 

Where to celebrate the Pattaya Songkran Festival: 

Beach Road: This is definitely the most famous place to party in Pattaya!  The entire road is closed to traffic, and there are stages everywhere with live music and huge foam machines. The fire department, with their engines parked at every corner, offer a limitless amount of water for the revelers to reload their "weapons". The few roads that allow vehicles to pass become a slow-moving traffic jam.  Pickup trucks blasting music at full volume become moving parties – of course, with their own water buckets! 

During the Songkran Festival Pattaya, the whole city turns into a crazy water-fighting battlefield. You will definitely get wet the moment you step outside, as it is the best place to celebrate Songkran in Thailand!

But the biggest celebration of this water festival in Pattaya comes on the 19th of April and is known as the "Wan Lai".  It is followed by the 'Kong Khao' parade which takes place in the sunlight and is a symbol of respect and appreciation for the Goddess of Rice. Fun contests are organized for revelers, cultural shows give visitors insight into Thailand's rich history, vendors line the street with souvenirs and food, and there are also beauty pageants for on-lookers to enjoy. If you wander to the beach, you will see beautiful sculptures and sand castles made by the locals alongside the Bang Saen beach.

>>>Read More About the Songkran Festival in Pattaya

Just as what we have mentioned before, Songkran is the Thai New Year, celebrated from April 13th to 15th, with some regions extending the festivities for several days. The holiday is known for its water festival, where people engage in friendly water fights on the streets, symbolizing the washing away of bad luck and welcoming the new year.

Here are some key elements of how Songkran is celebrated:

Water Fights

People pour or spray water on each other in the streets, often using water guns, hoses, or buckets. The water symbolizes purification and the removal of misfortune.

Visiting Temples

Many people visit temples to make merit, pay respects to monks, and pray for blessings in the new year. It's also common for people to cleanse Buddha statues with water.

Family Gatherings

Families often come together to celebrate. Younger people will perform a traditional ritual known as rot nam dum hua, where they gently pour water over the hands of their elders to show respect.

Traditional Performances

Songkran is also marked by traditional dance performances, parades, and cultural shows that showcase Thai heritage.

Sand Pagodas

In some regions, people build small sand pagodas at temples as a symbolic act of merit-making, and they decorate these structures with colorful flags.

Food and Festivals

During Songkran, special foods like khao chae (rice soaked in jasmine-scented water) are prepared, and people enjoy various traditional dishes. Festivities include traditional games, music, and entertainment.

Songkran is a joyful and lively celebration, where the water fights have become the most iconic aspect, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Don't splash water after sunset. Some people, especially tourists from abroad, do not realize this is forbidden. 

Don't splash water at Buddhist monks, pregnant women, or infants.

Don't remove any clothing that would result in indecent exposure. (A British man was once arrested because he removed his shirt during the 2016 Songkran Celebration!)

●Remember…people who splash you with water are sharing their joy and giving a New Year blessing to you. The wet mayhem is a part of the Songkran celebration, so don't become upset - just accept it and have fun!

●The water splashing is fun for everybody, but do remember that Songkran is a religious festival. Be respectful of worshippers at temples and shrines and show individual respect when making your own journey to a temple.

●If you decide not to take part in the festivities, you will need to remain inside your hotel room and don't go out until after sunset.  If you leave your hotel room during the day, be prepared to get wet by the hotel staff as soon as you step out of your room! 

●Make accommodations and transportation reservations as early as possible for Songkran festivities in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, or Koh Samui.  All venues fill up quickly. 

●Don't go out barefoot. Although the government makes efforts to ban bottles, broken glass is everywhere. 

●Be sure to acquire your own water bucket; many are given for free, or you can purchase a water gun or cannon in the market before joining in the fun. Keep your bucket with you at all times (Tie a string onto your bucket so you don't lose it.), so you can reload your bucket quickly from water barrels. 

●There are always lots of people dancing and partying in the streets – many people enjoy alcoholic beverages during the celebrations. Be sure you drink responsibly, do NOT drive while drinking, and be cautious while crossing the street.  

●Do not "fire" or pour water on motorcyclists because the water can create a slippery road surface and can cause accidents.  

●Carefully plan what clothing you will wear when going to the festivities; Sunglasses will protect your eyes from water, expensive clothing can be damaged, and white clothing becomes see-through when wet.  Remember to use a waterproof pouch to protect your mobile phone and other valuables. 

●If you are heading to one of the Songkran 'hotspots', think about using public transportation because the traffic can be very slow moving! 

●The traditional way to wish someone well and to make peace after pouring water on them is with sah-wah-dee pee mai, which means "Happy New Year." More than that, you can say "Happy Songkran Day" pronounced as "suke sahn wahn song kran." 

The Songkran water festival Thailand is a vibrant and joyous celebration that combines cultural traditions with modern festivities. Whether you're splashing water in the streets, paying respects at temples, or dancing to the beats of an EDM festival, Songkran offers an unforgettable experience that brings together people from all walks of life. It's a time to cleanse, renew, and celebrate with family, friends, and strangers alike, making it one of the most unique and exciting festivals in the world. Don't miss out on this incredible celebration—plan your trip to Thailand during Songkran Thailand date and be part of the magic!