Your Ultimate Survival Guide to Songkran Festival
Where to go and what to expect at Songkran Festival
· 2 min read
If you're planning a trip to Thailand in April, you're in for a treat: Songkran Festival. The Songkran Festival, also known as the Water Festival, is a beloved tradition in Thailand that celebrates the Thai New Year. Traditionally, the festival takes place for 3 days in April each year. However, as part of Thailand's effort to push Songkran into world-class festival, the festival in 2024 will be a month-long event that takes place throuoghout the country!
The specifics for 2024's festival has yet to be announced, but we can definitely expect the iconic water fights to be center of the festivities. If you are planning to travel to Thailand for Songkran, here is your ultimate survival guide to help you make the most of the event:
Where to go for the best water fights
From bustling cities to quiet towns, this vibrant celebration is enjoyed everywhere across the country. And if you're looking to experience the ultimate water fight, we've got you covered! Here's a list of the top "war zones" in each city that will take your Songkran experience to the next level:
Bangkok
If you are in Bangkok, you can head to Khao San Road, Si Lom, Siam, or Sanam Luang. Of these, Khao San Road and SiLom tend to be the most crowded and exciting, and is the most popular with tourists; Siam Square is more popular for teens and families; and at Sanam Luang, celebrations are more respectful.
Chiang Mai
Songkran Festival in the Old City of Chiang Mai is known to be the wettest celebration. The moat surrounding the ancient city of is transformed into a massive water arena during Songkran, with thousands of revelers joining in on the fun. Head to the Tha Phae Gate** **where the biggest celebrations happen.
Phuket
No prizes for guessing this. In Phuket, where else would you go but its most famous Patong Beach? In particular, head to Bangla Road for an epic Songkran party, with water guns, music, and dancing all day and night.
Ayutthaya
Just a 1.5 hour drive away from Bangkok, the ancient city of Ayutthaya offers a unique twist on Songkran. It will be way less crowded here, but you'll witness stunning cultural performances, receive water blessings at local temples, and even witness elephants getting in on the water fight action! Bulk of the water fight action takes place at the historical park.
Pattaya
In Pattaya, the celebrations are usually extended and ends on 19th April. On the last day of the celebrations, which is also known as Wan Lai Day (Flowing Day), people are fully armed with water dispensers such as water guns, buckets, or even hoses to really get the water flow. Pattaya is like one giant Songkran party, with Soi 6, Soi 7, and Soi 8 being the most popular places.
What else to expect at Songkran
Songkran is best for its water fights, but there is much more to that. Here are some of the other things and activities that you can experience at Songkran:
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