Everything About The Songkran Festival in Thailand 2025

The Songkran Festival in Thailand takes place from April 13th to April 15th every year. It is the celebration of the Thai New Year. The festival is unique because the participants engage in water gun battles. This produces an atmosphere of happiness and enthusiasm throughout the streets. Besides the water fights, Songkran features lively parades, traditional dances, and sacred cultural ceremonies that play important roles in Thai culture.

The Songkran Thai New Year festival also allows people to demonstrate their respect for elders through religious rituals. During the festival, people use water to cleanse themselves physically and spiritually. People believe water removes bad luck and sins for the new beginnings of the upcoming year. 

This period brings families together for gatherings while people celebrate the traditions of generosity with their communities. Songkran ranks among Thailand’s most popular festivals because it displays Thai cultural heritage through festive celebrations. 

History and Meaning of Songkran

Songkran derives its origins from Buddhist traditions. It represents a cleansing process for past bad fortune while embracing the new year with happiness and positive energy.

The Thai term “Songkran” comes from the Sanskrit word “Sankranti,” which means “astrological passage” to represent the solar year transition.

The use of water during Songkran serves multiple purposes to cleanse bodies while bringing blessings that will bring prosperity to future years.

Traditional Songkran Celebrations

 Traditional Songkran celebrations consist of several important rituals, which include:

• Visiting Buddhist Temples

During the initial day of Songkran, many people attend Buddhist temples for offering ceremonies. Thay also pour water over the monks’ hands to seek blessings. People use this period to demonstrate respect toward elders and Buddha.

• Spring Cleaning and Home Preparation

The new year preparation includes extensive cleaning by Thai families at their homes, schools and workplaces. The ritual process eliminates negative energy from spaces. This creates space for new positive beginnings before the new year. 

• Rod Nam Dam Hua (Respecting Elders)

Young individuals show respect to their elders during Songkran. They perform the Rod Nam Dam Hua ritual, where they pour water onto their hands. The water pouring ritual represents wishes for health, long life, and prosperity. 

• Song Nam Phra (Bathing Buddha)

People participate in Song Nam Phra during Songkran. They pour scented water on Buddha statues. This is done to bring good luck for the new year. People conduct this ritual at temples and carry Buddha statues through streets. 

Modern Songkran Celebrations

The celebration of the Songkran Festival in Thailand has evolved into a vibrant modern event that brings its energy to life. You can experience this celebration in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, and many other cities in Thailand. 

The current Songkran festivities focus on communal celebration through playful water battles.

• Water Fights

Water battles between people represent the core experience of Songkran. Locals together with tourists participate in friendly water fights that take over the streets of Thailand. People use water pistols, buckets, and hose to splash water at each other. The event provides a fun and refreshing method for everyone to celebrate this festival. 

• Music and Foam Parties

Besides water fights, several cities arrange music festivals together with foam parties during this time. The city streets and punclic read transform into party locations. You can see local and international DJ performances, foam machines, and decorative elements. The evening festivities extend into the night and this enhaces the celebration. 

• Elephant Celebrations

If you want a unique Songkran experience, you can join elephants at sanctuaries throughout Thailand. The elephant participates in Songkran by using its trunk to spray water onto people. The unique celebration through elephants offers a delightful water experience that allows them to connect with nature. 

​​Best Places to Celebrate Songkran Water Festival 

Thailand features several locations where the Songkran festivities is on full swing. These cities unite traditional and modern activities and deliver memorable festival experiences. 

Chiang Mai

Songkran celebrations in Chiang Mai rank among the most popular in Thailand. It skillfully unite cultural heritage with joyful activities. The celebration starts when people witness monks perform blessings while traditional music plays. Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, and Ping River turn into zones for water fights during Songkran. The festival also features local street food, cultural performances and peaceful temple ceremonies. Chiang Mai delivers an ideal combination of religious ceremonies and energetic celebrations.

Phuket

Songkran in Phuket is very vibrant. Patong Beach and Bangla Road are some of the top location for the celebrations. These locations transform into water battle areas that bring the tourists and locals. The island features traditional Thai costume parades together, cultural shows and musical events. You can experience a party environment with water fights, beach bars, and lively public spaces.

Pattaya

Songkran celebrations in Pattaya offer beachside water battles, foam parties, and sand art competitions. The Pattaya Water Festival stretches for a complete seven days, but the Wan Lai festival on April 19th stands as its main attraction. During this event, people can also enjoy multiple activities. These include beauty pageants, traditional performances and parades. Additionally, locals and tourists combine dancing with water splashing till the night.

Bangkok

Bangkok has various Songkran activities that blend traditional cultural practices with modern celebration styles. You can experience sand pagoda construction and visit temples. Moreover, enjoy the street parties at Khao San Road and Silom. Here, water fights and live music accompany dancing.

Koh Phi Phi

Songkran celebrations on Koh Phi Phi transform into a massive water battleground. In Koh Phi Phi, people engage in beach parties and thrilling water battles. You can participate in water battles while enjoying beach concerts. Koh Phi Phi is an excellent destination to experience Songkran in an island atmosphere. 

Koh Samui 

In Koh Samui, people celebrate Songkran with tropical-themed festivities and joyful celebrations. The main street in Chaweng Beach becomes a huge water battle area. Here, people use water guns to soak each other. It is a lively celebration with music and street festivities. People perform traditional Songkran rituals by pouring water on Buddha statues. In addition, various family events take place throughout different parts of the island.

Hua Hin

Hua Hin features Songkran cultural activities, relaxed beach experience and water fight opportunities. You can celebrate Songkran through parades, traditional rituals and visit local markets. It creates perfect environment for those who want a peaceful Songkran experience.

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Things To Keep In Mind During The Songkran Festival in Thailand

• Select quick-drying clothes and waterproof footwear for better protection, as you will get wet. 
• Use waterproof bags and zip-lock bags to protect your valuables against water damage.
• You can carry sunscreen protection and a hat for the hot April climate. Additionally, drink plenty of water.
• Avoid targeting the face with water guns and maintain respectful behavior toward others when splashing water on them.
• Take part in traditional cultural events, including temple visits and elder respect ceremonies. 
• Protect your eyes from water by wearing protective sunglasses or eyewear.
• There is a lot of traffic throughout the entire festival period. You should drive slowly or choose less crowded roads for safety.
• Participate in the celebrations by enjoying the festivities and staying protected during this joyful Songkran celebration period.

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FAQs

• When is the Songkran festival in Thailand?

Thailand celebrates the Songkran Festival each year from April 13th to 15th. It is the Thai New Year festival. Some locations extend their festival past the usual dates, while other areas adhere to the standard dates. This festival features family events, religious ceremonies, and playful water battles.

• Where is the Songkran festival celebrated in Phuket?

The Songkran Festival in Phuket takes place in Patong Beach and Bangla Road. The street parties, music, and water fights make these locations exciting. You can enjoy lively celebrations through water splashing, parades, and traditional Thai activities. It produces a joyful celebration atmosphere.

• What do Thai people eat in Songkran?

Traditional Songkran foods include Khao Chae (rice soaked in cold water), Som Tam (spicy papaya salad), and Pad Thai (fried noodles), which Thai people enjoy during the celebrations. Thai people also enjoy two popular dessert items during festivals: Kanom Chan (layered sweet cakes) and Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers). 

• What are the dates of the Songkran Festival 2025?

The Songkran Festival in Thailand will take place from April 13th to 15th 2025. It brings several cultural events, religious ceremonies, family celebrations, water fights, and parades. The length of celebrations varies by region, although most places maintain the traditional dates.

• Do I need to wear special clothes for Songkran?

You should choose light garments that are comfortable and waterproof because they will become wet. Carry fast-drying fabrics together and waterproof shoes for this occasion. You can wear Thai clothing during tranditional festivities to share in the holiday spirit.