Songkran 2025: Thailand’s Water Festival – Dates, Tips & Traditions
Songkran, the Buddhist New Year, is undoubtedly the most impressive festival in Thailand. This New Year celebration is famous for its massive water fights and traditional customs, making it the largest festival of its kind in Asia.
Songkran 2025: The Buddhist New Year in Thailand
Celebrated in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, Songkran takes place in April (around April 13th) and lasts for 3 days. The festival dates may vary from city to city, so it’s recommended to check beforehand.
If you plan to visit Thailand during Songkran, keep in mind that it’s a popular holiday period, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance.
Where and When to Celebrate Songkran 2025 in Thailand?
- Chiang Mai: April 13-15
- Bangkok: April 13-15
- Phuket: April 13-15
- Pattaya: April 13-19 (official wan lai celebrations will take place on April 18th in Naklua and on April 19th in Pattaya and on Jomtien Beach)
- Koh Samui: April 13-15
- Krabi: April 13-15
- Ayutthaya: April 13-15
Summary of Songkran Festival in Thailand
Songkran in Northern Thailand: Traditions and Highlights
| Province | Main Events |
|---|---|
| Chiang Mai | Traditional Songkran at the old city moat |
| Lampang | Buddhist ceremonies and processions |
| Sukhothai | Festival in the historical park |
Songkran in Isaan: Culture and Local Festivities
| Province | Main Events |
|---|---|
| Khon Kaen | Songkran Festival on Khao Niew Road |
| Udon Thani | Celebrations with traditional performances |
| Nakhon Ratchasima | Cultural activities and water games |
Songkran in Bangkok and Central Thailand: Best Places to Celebrate
| Province | Main Events |
|---|---|
| Bangkok | Celebrations on Khao San Road and Silom |
| Ayutthaya | Songkran in historic temples |
| Lopburi | Festivals with elephants |
Songkran on the Eastern Coast: Pattaya and More
| Province | Main Events |
|---|---|
| Pattaya | Extended Songkran (Wan Lai Festival) |
| Rayong | Water games and traditional competitions |
| Chanthaburi | Local ceremonies and concerts |
Songkran in Southern Thailand: Beach Celebrations and Island Vibes
| Province | Main Events |
|---|---|
| Phuket | Water fights at Patong Beach |
| Songkhla | Cultural ceremonies and parades |
| Surat Thani | Celebrations on the islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) |
Source : Tourism Authority of Thailand
Songkran marks the hottest period of the year, usually ending the hot season and beginning the rainy season. However, the dry season may persist well after Songkran.
The Traditions Behind Songkran: More Than Just a Water Fight
Songkran’s festivities are divided into two categories: those that preserve and respect the traditional aspect, and those that are more focused on fun and entertainment. The traditional celebrations place a great importance on family and the religious aspect of the festival. People visit temples and pay tribute to Buddha. The other aspect is more geared towards fun and entertainment, with events such as water battles and parties. These festivities are often unforgettable and a must-see experience!
Family and Respect: The Heart of Songkran
Although many events are organized to celebrate Songkran, the real celebration takes place within families. It is during this time that elders are honored and sought for their blessings. Their longevity represents the path to follow, the wisdom to gain, and the vital strength that they possess. Songkran is therefore an ideal moment to gather the family around the elders. The rituals may vary from one family to another.
Buddhist Rituals During Songkran: A Time for Merit-Making
Traditionally, Thai people also visit temples to make donations to the monks. It is common to release fish, water turtles, or birds as a way of acquiring merits. The goal is to do good deeds and start the new year in the most positive way possible.
Another tradition involves building sand stupas. The construction of these ephemeral structures reminds us of the fragility of existence. This tradition takes on an additional significance because every believer who visits a temple takes a tiny part of the temple away with them. This dust or soil is then returned to the temple in the most respectful form, as a stupa symbolizing the memory and experience of the Buddha.
Sacred Ceremonies and Pilgrimages During Songkran
Several sacred ceremonies take place in temples. For many practitioners, Songkran is synonymous with pilgrimage. Many people visit Wat Arun, for example.
Wat Arun is one of the 9 sacred temples for the Buddhist New Year pilgrimage: Wat Pho, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Suthat Thepphawararam, Wat Chana, Wat Boworn, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Rakhang Khositaram, and Wat Kanlaya are the temples that usually offer traditional religious ceremonies every year.
Experiencing Songkran Off the Beaten Path
Songkran is never better than when you wander around the non-touristy, but popular neighborhoods. Indeed, you will then witness joyful parades of dragons chasing away evil spirits and musical groups celebrating a new year and the arrival of future rains. It’s the moment when communities celebrate themselves and perpetuate their rituals, building a unifying event that exorcises the bad omens of the past year.
Songkran 2025: A Nationwide Celebration of Joy and Renewal
The event is not insignificant in Thailand. Everyone looks forward to it, some because it’s synonymous with public holidays, others with the end of the school year, and still others because Songkran means the end of the dry season.
In any case, there is always fervor around Songkran. Large retailers prepare for weeks in advance by stocking up on water guns, water pistols, basins, buckets, etc.
Songkran is no longer just a traditional event, it’s also a commercial festival and, above all, a giant water battle festival. Massive water battles are organized in every city in Thailand. It’s a unique moment in the year and not to be missed!
In any case, during Songkran, there’s no escaping a little watering. As soon as you step outside, you get wet. Even in neighborhoods that are considered safe, a car can arrive full of water pistol or basin maniacs… Not to mention that a little extra ingredient comes into play: talcum powder.
The result is that all the participants are completely drenched and covered in talcum powder.
The atmosphere is often good-natured, but in some cities there can be excesses causing crowd movements. The real danger remains alcohol and driving. Every year, Thailand laments a large number of accidents during the four days of the festival.
Essential Tips for Enjoying Songkran 2025 Safely
- Go out with only the essentials.
- Protect everything with a waterproof bag.
- Be careful of the air conditioning on the BTS or MRT.
- Wanting to go to Khao Sand or Sala Deang without getting wet is a pipe dream!
- Be aware that many shops and all government offices are closed.
FAQ about Songkran 2025 in Thailand
What is Songkran?
Songkran is Thailand’s New Year festival, celebrated with water fights and traditional Buddhist ceremonies.
When is Songkran 2025?
Songkran 2025 takes place from April 13 to April 15, though some cities like Pattaya extend the festivities.
Why is Songkran also called the Thai New Year?
Songkran is known as the Thai New Year because it marks the beginning of the traditional solar calendar in Thailand. The festival is deeply rooted in Buddhist and Hindu astrological traditions, symbolizing renewal, purification, and the transition into a new year. It is a time for family reunions, merit-making, and honoring elders, similar to other New Year celebrations worldwide.
Where are the best destinations to celebrate Songkran?
- Bangkok: Silom and Khao San Road for water fights.
- Chiang Mai : One of the liveliest cities, with parties around the moat.
- Pattaya: Famous for its ‘Wan Lai’, which extends the festivities until 19 April.
- Islands and beaches: Koh Samui and Phuket offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
How to prepare for Songkran?
- Things to protect: Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and documents.
- Appropriate clothing: Dress lightly and avoid transparent fabrics.
- Non-slip shoes: The streets are slippery, so avoid flip-flops.
What are the rules to follow?
- Do not throw water on moving motorbikes or cars.
- Respect those who don’t want to take part.
- Avoid excessive drinking in public.
Is Songkran just a water fight?
No. Songkran celebration is first and foremost a traditional and spiritual festival. Many Thais take the opportunity to visit their families, make offerings to the temples and honour their elders with the ‘Rod Nam Dum Hua’ ritual (pouring perfumed water over their hands).
What are the risks during Songkran?
- Road accidents: Roads are more dangerous at this time of year. Avoid driving.
- Pickpocketing: Be careful in crowds.
- Unclean water: Street water can be dirty. Keep your mouth shut during water fights.
Can you avoid the party if you don’t want to take part?
Yes, but it’s difficult If you want to avoid Songkran, choose less touristy places or hotels that restrict festivities to their private areas.
Other events and festivals in Thailand
