Thailand heats up in April, but not just from the scorching sun! It’s Songkran, the vibrant Thai New Year, and everyone’s ready to drench each other in a joyous celebration. This year, the excitement is even bigger as “Songkran in Thailand” has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity! Join us for this world-class festival, happening nationwide from April 1st – 21st, 2024. The theme for 2024 captures the spirit perfectly: “The Joyful Splashing of Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024.” We’ve compiled a list of must-see events across Thailand. Mark your calendars, pick your location, book your stay, and get ready to get soaked in the fun!
Songkran Highlights in Bangkok
Khao San Road
When it comes to Songkran in Bangkok, you can never miss a must-visit landmark like Khao San Road, an area known as the famous Songkran hub where people are gathered around to experience a massive water battleground for three days (April 13-15). Don your brightest clothes, prepare to get soaked, and join this once-in-a-lifetime celebration!
Lan Khon Mueang
While you’re exploring the vibrant energy of Khao San Road, there’s another exciting event happening just across the street! Head to Lan Khon Mueang town square, situated right opposite Bangkok’s City Hall. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with activities that range from offering blessings to the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing for the New Year to participating in the traditional morning alms giving ceremony. You can even (gently!) pour water on senior citizens as a sign of respect and receive their blessings in return. Craving a taste of Thai culture? Don’t miss the wonder of an ancient market overflowing with traditional toys and handcrafted goods. Here’s the twist: this event has a unique dress code – floral attire! So, get ready to embrace the spirit and dig out your most colorful outfit.
Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem
Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem has become another popular new landmark, following the huge success of last year’s event, “Songkran @Khlong Phadung (Khon) Krung Kasem.” This renovated canal offers Songkran activities and is conveniently accessible via MRT to Hua Lamphong Station. Beyond the water splashing fun, another recommended activity is to capture some cool pictures of the beautiful manhole covers in the area – a unique souvenir!
Chao Phraya River
Looking for a place to cool off and enjoy the beautiful views of the Chao Phraya River this Songkran? Look no further than ICONSIAM, a one-stop-service mall that offers everything you need, from a dedicated water-fight area, a ritual of bathing and cleaning the Buddha statue with scented water, to cultural performances and delicious foods to please your taste buds. Plus, with its convenient location and wide range of amenities, ICONSIAM is the perfect place to spend the whole day. “The Iconic Songkran Festival 2024” will take place from April 10-21, while water-splashing activity on the Chao Phraya River are allowed from April 10-16. Another great option for riverside Songkran fun is Asiatique The Riverfront where all water bombing and Songkran activities are welcome in the evenings from April 13-15.
Siam Square | Central World | Silom | Samyan Mitrtown
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Songkran festivities for three full days (April 13-15) at dedicated zones in central Bangkok, where getting soaked is part of the fun! The celebrations kick off in Siam Square, a popular hangout known for attracting younger generations, both locals and visitors, eager to experience this epic water fight. Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find the Songkran revelry unfolding in front of Central World’s expansive fairground.
Another place to get soaked is Samyan Mitrtown. This water party has only been around for a few years, but it’s always a hit. This year’s event will be held from April 13-15. In addition to attending an epic water party, there will also be free concerts for three days straight.
Wrap up Songkran in the city center at Silom, where LGBTQ+ revelers gather to enjoy water fights every year. From the beginning of Silom Road to the end, fill your water gun and spray away!
Rama 9
Calling all party animals and festival fanatics! Get ready to soak up the Songkran vibes at two epic music festivals happening right here in Rama 9. Tickets are on sale now. First up, we have the legendary “Pepsi presents S2O Songkran Music Festival 2024”. Brace yourself for non-stop fun from the 13th of April, at 4:00 P.M. to the 15th of April, at 11:59 P.M. at Live Park Rama 9 (participants must be over 20 years old). Craving more? Head over to “Siam Songkran Music Festival 2024”, happening at RCA Central Park for four incredible days (April 12-15). Both events promise world-class DJs, electrifying beats, and an unforgettable Songkran experience! Get ready to dance, drink, and get drenched in the ultimate celebration!
Thunderdome Stadium
Another Songkran celebration for party people is Water Bomb Bangkok 2024, which will be held indoors at Thunderdome Stadium, Muang Thong Thani. Beat the summer heat with blasts of cool water and enjoy your favorite tunes from world-famous artists for two days (April 13-14).
Songkran Highlights in Central Thailand
Ang Thong
Ang Thong also throws an epic Songkran festival every year. The event, “Maha Songkran Festival 2024,” takes place on Khao Suk Road from April 13-15. It starts at the Wiset Chai Chan intersection and stretches along Ang Thong’s Irrigation Canal for three kilometers. You can enjoy the water fights on foot or join the locals for a fun ride on a pickup truck.
Kanchanaburi
Extend your Songkran celebrations in Kanchanaburi! Join the unique “Mon’s Songkran Festival in Sangkhla Buri” from April 13 to 17. The traditional highlight worth visiting is an annual ceremony where villagers pour scented water over the temple’s major Buddha statue, monks and novices via bamboo water pipes. The location shares the same name, at Sangkhla Buri.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya’s annual Songkran festival for this year is called “Ayutthaya Maha Songkran: Hale, Happy, and Hallowed.” Expect a day packed with activities on April 13 in the city island area. Festivities will include a procession of the city’s guardian deities for blessings, a parade featuring Songkran nymphs, a water-blessing ceremony for the elderly, and of course, an exciting water fight!
Another can’t-miss highlight is the “Songkran Water Festival with Elephants” taking place on Sri Satchanalai Road. Prepare for a complete Songkran celebration experience and make sure to wear traditional Thai outfits to join in the water splashing fun with the lovable elephants from the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal . This event promises to be full of excitement and activity
Suphan Buri
Suphan Buri also hosts its annual Songkran event where locals enjoy splashing water along the city sidewalk from April 13-15. The festivities culminate on the 13th of April, with a spectacular procession and a provincial Songkran Goddess contest, located in Artiwara Road, Mueang District.
Samut Songkhram
Songkran goes beyond the water fights! Seeking an authentic cultural experience? Songkran offers a cool and refreshing way to celebrate with family. Start your adventure at “King Rama II Memorial Park” in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram. Discover traditional activities you won’t find anywhere else, such as Lakorn Chatri, a captivating performance of ancient Thai drama, a vibrant Thai long drum parade and traditional instrumental music played by a youth Piphat orchestra. Of course, the core traditions remain. Bathing Buddha statues and pouring water on elders are beautiful ways to show respect and gratitude.
Craving a taste of authentic Songkran culture while partying to non-stop music? Look no further than “Songkran Music Festival 2024: Mae Klong Satheun, Pla Thu Sadung!” Immerse yourself in this electrifying six-day event happening from April 12-17. Get your tickets now! The festival unfolds at the Triple Toys front yard, situated on the bypass road behind Sarasas Ektra School. Groove to your favorite beats spun by DJs and witness electrifying live sets by Thailand’s top artists. Prepare to be exhilarated!
Samut Prakan
An annual Songkran festival in Samut Prakan arrives a little later, but it’s always a guaranteed celebration! This year’s main event will be held in Phra Pradaeng on April 21. The event holds special significance for Thai-Mon ethnic groups as they are usually gathered to celebrate Thai New Year. Expect a vibrant atmosphere with a procession featuring Songkran queens, melodious Raman folksongs, a Saba (traditional Raman game) show, a Miss Songkran pageant, and a unique “Loi Chai” Boy Contest.
Nakhon Pathom
Nakhon Pathom, another province worth visiting during Songkran, is just a short drive from Bangkok via Phetkasem Road. The event is held from April 13-17, closer to Phra Pathom Chedi. Activities include water splashing, sand pagoda festival, bathing Buddha statues, performances by marching bands, Songkran processions, musical performances, and many more.
Sing Buri
Let’s dress in traditional Thai sarongs and sashes, and participate in the Songkran celebration in the style of Bang Rachan villagers at “Songkran at Ban Rachan” in Sing Buri. Take part in the traditional Songkran parade and the ceremony of pouring water on revered monks. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the ancient Thai traditions of the Bang Rachan era!
Songkran Highlights in Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai
Another must-visit landmark for the Songkran festival is Chiang Mai, which is renowned for its extreme fun, especially at the moat area near Tha Pae Gate, where both sides of the road are always filled with Thais and foreigners. On the road, there will be pickup trucks packed with water tanks, ready to splash and spray passersby. This is a part of “Pa Weni Pi Mai Muang (Lanna-style Songkran Festival),” known as the city’s’ New Year festival, held annually from April 12-15.
Chiang Mai ups the ante with “Water War Chiang Mai 2024,” the undisputed champion of water music festivals in Northern Thailand. Held at Central Chiang Mai Airport, this epic event throws you into a thrilling mix of chart-topping Thai artists, dazzling light and sound shows, and the pièce de résistance: water effects towering over 20 meters high! Prepare to get drenched from head to toe – no matter where you stand in the crowd!
Lampang
Immerse yourself in Lampang’s grand Songkran celebration, the “Salung Luang Klong Yai” festival! This vibrant event, Lampang’s biggest Songkran celebration, kicks off on April 7 and runs for seven exciting days. Prepare to be dazzled by local cultural and artistic displays, alongside colorful and energetic performances. The festivities culminate on April 13, the city’s New Year, with the grand “Pa Weni Pi Mai Muang of Nakhon Lampang procession.” Experience the magic across three key locations: Lampang Museum, Wat Pong Sanuk, and Lampang’s iconic Clock Tower.
Sukhothai
History enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a day trip to Sukhothai to experience the Songkran festival at least once. A highly recommended highlight is participating in an exciting “Songkran Water Blessing Ceremony” at Si Satchanalai Historical Park, held at the venue of Phraya Lithai Monument. This ceremony follows the original traditions as inscribed on a stone inscription. In addition to the traditional water blessing ceremony, the festival also features music performances and a culinary event that will tantalize food lovers.
Phrae
You can experience Songkran fun elsewhere from April 13-15, but be sure to check in at Phrae. on April 16. This province is home to a unique Den Chai Songkran tradition, where locals dressed in traditional Mo Hom costumes play water on the streets for several kilometers around the train station.
Phitsanulok
When it comes to Songkran, Phitsanulok‘s celebration stands out remarkably. The “Songkran Water Festival” for the year 2024 will be held in the Phitsanulok Municipality area, offering the same level of fun as always. Every year, there’s a campaign encouraging people to wear traditional Thai fabric or floral shirts and join in the water festivities. This year is special because you can enjoy the festivities and cool off from April 9 to 15.
Songkran Highlights in Southern Thailand
Phuket
For the hottest summertime vacation, the beach is undeniably the top summer destination. If you get a chance to experience the beauty of Phuket, don’t miss “Andamanda Phuket Songkran Festival,” an annual event that transforms the province into an epic water fight zone. Popular locations for these celebrations include Patong Beach, Bangla Road and Saphan Hin
Songkhla
Anyone visiting the Southern Thailand is welcome to celebrate Songkran festival in Songkhla, which will be held on April 13-14 at Sadao Road (near Songkhla Municipal Park).
Besides, you can also join “Hatyai Midnight Songkran,” another Songkran festival in Hat Yai. You’ll get to splash around worry-free under the sun, and immerse yourself in the fun of foam parties! It’s an event guaranteed to leave an unforgettable impression – an absolute blast!
Nakhon Si Thammarat
“Maha Songkran Festival: Nang Dan Procession in Nakhon Si Thammarat” is the main event held annually in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The event features two unique highlights: the “Nang Dan Procession,” an ancient tradition, and the ceremony of pouring sacred water from six sources into a historic jar used by King Rama V for bathing. After these important ceremonies, it’s time to cool down with water battles along the city street.
Songkran Highlights in Eastern Thailand
Chachoengsao
Chachoengsao annually hosts its “Songkran Pad-Riew” festival from April 12-15. The main event takes place at the Provincial Hall, where people can participate in traditional Songkran activities such as sprinkling water on a Buddha image, splashing water on others and playfully applying powder to each other’s faces. A highlight is the procession of the replica of Luang Pho Sothon, a sacred Buddha image revered by Chachoengsao locals, giving people the opportunity to pay their respects to the Buddha image.
Chonburi
For those who have plenty of vacation days, you can take a long annual leave and celebrate Songkran every other day at Chonburi, one of the popular destinations for Songkran. Let’s start your trip from the famous spot like Pattaya. The celebration starts from the beginning of an official Songkran date and extends for more five or six days as they call it “Wan Lai Festival”. Many other areas in Chonburi also organize Wan Lai events during this time, including Bangsaen’s Wan Lai (April 16-17), Lan Pho Na Kluea Market (around April 18), and Ban Bueng’s Wan Lai (around April 21-23). Let’s get wet and wild playing water for more than a week after the Songkran festival!
Songkran Highlights in Northeastern Thailand
Khon Kaen
Khon Kaen throws a Songkran celebration at Khao Niao Road just as epic as Bangkok’s famed Khao San Road festivities. This year, the festival runs from April 8-15. Don’t miss the legendary “Human Wave” event, once a Guinness World Record holder for the longest human wave ever!
But if you really want to immerse yourself in an authentic traditional Songkran festival, visiting the Songkran event at Wat Chaiyasri in Ban Sawaithi is highly recommended. There are plenty of activities you can enjoy all day long, starting with morning alms giving, followed by the Bai Sri ceremony, a beautiful and refreshing floral parade, creating sand pagodas, bathing the Buddha image, and asking for blessings from the community elders. It’s a truly heartwarming Songkran experience that doesn’t involve getting wet from water splashing.
Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Phanom will once again host its grand Songkran festival from April 13-15, beginning in the morning of Thai New Year with a merit-making ceremony, followed by water-splashing activities on Sunthonvichit Road along the Mekong River in the afternoon. The perfect evening culminates in a dazzling spectacle of light and sound.
Surin
In the elephant kingdom of Surin, immerse yourself in their unforgettable Songkran celebration. Unlike traditional water fights, here you’ll bathe and play alongside these gentle, well-trained giants, guided by experienced mahouts for a safe and joyful experience. Let loose and embrace the spirit of Songkran with these magnificent creatures.
Ubon Ratchathani
Ubon Ratchathani hosts its biggest Songkran event, “Ubon Ratchathani Songkran Festival 2024,” taking place from April 12-16 at Central Plaza Ubon Ratchathani. Get ready to dance, sing, get soaked, and be entertained from non-stop music performances for five days straight! It’s a fantastic opportunity to let loose and have some fun.
Udon Thani
This year, Udon Thani is going all out for Songkran festival with “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024,” held at Nong Prajak Public Park from April 13-16. Highlights include a parade of twenty-eight floral-themed floats, Miss Songkran contest, and many other cultural activities. There will also be a designated zone for both tourists and locals to enjoy an epic water fight.
Nong Khai
Nong Khai‘s grand Songkran Festival is set to take place from April 12-18. Get ready to participate in the sacred act of pouring water over the Buddha statue for good fortune, followed by the joyful experience of engaging in water splashing activities.
These are some of Songkran highlights held in different provinces across Thailand. There are also smaller events happening all over the country. Dress up as you are ready to get drenched, find a fun and convenient location, and join this chaotic world heritage tradition.
