What is Thailand's water festival "Songkran"? How to enjoy it locally and information on the 2025 event

What is Songkran, Thailand's traditional water festival?

Songkran is a festival celebrating the Thai New Year in April. It is held every year for three days from April 13th to 15th, during which people splash water on each other and celebrate. More than 500,000 people from all over the world, including Thai people, come to Songkran. In 2023, it was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as a traditional festival that Thailand is proud of, and its popularity overseas is only increasing. It is expected that many people will participate in 2025 as well.

The History of Thailand's Water Festival (Songkran)

How did this huge festival come about? Actually, it wasn't originally just a festival where people splashed water on each other, but a solemn traditional event.

Songkran is held during the Thai New Year. The original Songkran ceremony was a traditional custom of pouring water on Buddha statues, pagodas, and the hands of elders to purify them as the new year arrived. However, in recent years, it has undergone a major transformation! People now splash water on each other to help them survive the heat.

How to Celebrate Thailand's Water Festival (Songkran)

Nowadays, Songkran has an active image of people splashing water on each other, even if they don't know each other, but as mentioned above, it started as a solemn traditional event to welcome the New Year. Of course, there are other traditional customs that remain in addition to splashing water.

First, people go back to their hometowns, clean their houses, and welcome the New Year with a pure heart, just like in Japan. Then, they visit temples, where they splash water on Buddha statues and pagodas. Once this is done, the water-throwing begins. Water-throwing takes place not only at the large Songkran venues described below, but all over the city. In addition, because it is the New Year, companies, privately owned shops, restaurants, etc. are closed for an extended period of time.

[2025] When will Thailand's Water Festival (Songkran) be held?

Songkran used to be based on the Thai lunar calendar, so it changed every year after the Gregorian calendar was adopted, but now the government has set it as a three-day holiday from April 13th to 15th every year. Depending on the year, additional holidays may be added before or after the holiday to extend the break, but in 2025 it will be held on the usual dates.

Check before you participate! What are the rules, etiquette, and things to be aware of?

From here on, we will introduce the rules and manners for participating in Songkran. It is a lively festival to celebrate the New Year, but there are some basic things you should be aware of, such as keeping yourself healthy and protecting your belongings.

Rules and Manners

Although there are no "official rules" for Songkran, there are some that are considered to be "unspoken rules."

First of all, you should not splash water on monks, who are objects of faith, or on police officers who maintain public order. On the other hand, you should not get angry if someone splashes water on you unintentionally. You can say "no" if you want them to stop, but the reality is that some people will splash water on you. After all, splashing water means a blessing, so the most important thing is to enjoy it.

Things to note

Next, we will introduce some things to keep in mind when participating in Songkran.

1. Waterproofing your smartphone and camera
If you go outside with machinery such as your smartphone or camera, be sure to waterproof it. During this time in Thailand, water can be splashed on places other than the main Songkran venue. Waterproof plastic cases are sold at supermarkets and street stalls, but if you're worried, it's safer to leave your machinery at the hotel. Also, if you don't want your clothes to get wet, be sure to wear rainwear.

② Health Management
Even in a tropical country, spending several hours with water on you can be physically exhausting. It is recommended that you give yourself plenty of time to finish.

③Crime prevention measures
In addition to splashing water on people during Songkran, they also smear their faces with a mixture of marl and water called "dinsopong" to bless them. During this time, there are also cases of pickpockets and people who harass women. Please be mindful to take crime prevention measures. Also, many people are in high spirits during the festival, so be careful not to get involved in fights.

④Public facilities and privately owned stores are closed.
Due to the New Year's holiday, museums and art galleries are closed. Many privately run restaurants and shops are also closed. However, shopping malls, fast food chains, and convenience stores are open.

How to participate in the Water Festival

A festival usually has a designated venue, but Songkran is characterized by the fact that the entire country becomes the festival venue. As soon as you step out of the airport, or even when you're in a taxi, people start throwing water at each other.

However, there are "main venues" where many people gather, and admission is free, except for some venues held in hotels. There are also exceptions, but there are no particular entrances to the venues.

The first thing you need to prepare is a water gun. From small handguns to large rifles, a variety of types are sold at supermarkets and street stalls. If you don't like getting water in your eyes, you should also bring swimming goggles.

Also, it will be difficult to get tickets for planes, long-distance buses, trains, etc. around this time, so if you are traveling to places other than Bangkok, it is best to make reservations early.

Regional Features of Thailand's Songkran Water Festival

There are many venues in Bangkok, but venues in other areas also have their own unique features. Choose the venue that suits you best and have fun!

Bangkok

Khao San Road: Many people from overseas participate, the atmosphere is the biggest

Khao San Road is a popular destination for tourists, especially backpackers, from all over the world. It is lined with hotels, travel agencies, souvenir shops, and open bars. The main road, Khao San Road, and its surrounding areas are also the stage for water-throwing events. It is said to be one of the most lively in the city, not only during the day but also at night, with some foreign tourists coming just to participate in Songkran on Khao San Road. With many open bars along the road, it is recommended for those who want to have even more fun while drinking.

Silom: Business district becomes water-throwing stage

Silom Road is one of the largest business districts in Thailand. Here too, the road will be turned into a pedestrian paradise and will be the stage for Songkran. It is an astounding 5km long! The BTS (elevated railway) runs above the road, and you can have a unique experience of splashing water on the connecting road and the road below. It is also convenient to use the BTS to get to and from the venue.

Central World: Relatively well-established rules, suitable for beginners

Central World is one of the largest shopping malls in Bangkok. The space in front of the building is also turned into a water-throwing stage during Songkran. There are live performances by famous singers sponsored by famous companies, further enhancing the festive atmosphere. As it is a space within a commercial facility, it is relatively orderly and safe for beginners. Bringing in alcohol is also prohibited. It is also characterized by a large number of families.

Bangkok suburbs

Pattaya: Have fun at the beach resort

Pattaya, a beach resort about two hours by car from Bangkok, is also famous as a Songkran venue. All major areas of the city, including major roads such as Beach Road and Second Road, and the night spot Walking Street, will be turned into water-throwing venues. Of course, water-throwing also takes place on the beach. If you get tired, you can rest on a deck chair on the beach before going back to play. Songkran continues at this venue until the 19th, so there is still a chance for those who were unable to participate on the 13th to 15th!

Ayutthaya: Water play with elephants

Ayutthaya is an ancient capital and a World Heritage Site. Therefore, compared to other areas, Songkran is held to highlight tradition and history, with traditional dance and cultural events being held. Also, since there is an elephant conservation facility, elephants also participate in the water-throwing! Water-throwing is also held around Wat Mahathat Temple, where the head of the famous Buddha statue is buried in the roots of a tree, so it would be nice to join in and see the ruins.

*As of April 10th, Ayutthaya Historical Park is open to the public; however, to ensure the safety of structures such as pagodas and pillars, fences have been set up in some areas and entry is restricted.

Phra Paradaeng : Strong influence of Mon people's traditions

Songkran in Phra Pradaeng district, Samut Prakan province, next to Bangkok, is said to be one of the largest in Thailand. The Mon people have lived in this area for a long time, so parades that highlight the unique culture of the Mon people are held. Another feature is that, unlike other regions, the festival is held on the weekend one week after April 13th.

North

Chiang Mai: Experience the traditional Songkran

Chiang Mai in the north is an ancient capital like Kyoto. Here too, Songkran is held with respect for tradition, just like Ayutthaya. Many ruins remain in the old town, and these are the venues for Songkran. The main venue for the event is the tourist attraction "Thapae Gate," where parades and traditional dances are performed. It is also interesting to experience the traditional Songkran rituals at temples.

This is the time of year when the whole of Thailand is filled with Songkran. Why not come and join in this fun festival that is unique to this tropical country?

Songkran (Water Festival)

Article provided by: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Interview and photos: Masao Umemoto

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