All About the 2024 Songkran Water Festival in Thailand

The Songkran Water Festival in Thailand is one of the most popular festivals attracting a large number of visitors. So what makes this festival so appealing? Or perhaps you want to know when the Songkran water festival in Thailand takes place?... All will be answered right here.

The Significance of the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand

Songkran is a Pali word meaning 'transition', signifying the transition of the sun from Pisces to Aries. This is considered the moment of transition to the new year according to the Thai calendar. So if you don't know what's happening during April travel to Thailand, remember this Songkran festival right away.

Every year, around this time, Thai people enthusiastically prepare by cleaning Buddha altars and houses, while those who are far away return home to reunite with their families and celebrate the upcoming new year.

The Songkran Water Festival in Thailand symbolizes the cleansing of bad luck and illness. Photo: ST

And the highlight of this festival is the water splashing ceremony. Similar to Myanmar's Thingyan Water Festival or Cambodia's Chaul Chnam Thmay, The Songkran Water Festival in Thailand signifies cleansing away all the misfortunes, illnesses, and sins of the past year, welcoming a fresh new year.

Especially, Thais believe that the wetter you get, the luckier you'll be, so people make an effort to splash water on each other, making the atmosphere in the Land of the Golden Temples more lively and vibrant than ever. If you have the chance to travel to Thailand in April, don't miss this unique festival. The Songkran Water Festival in Thailand is so famous that tourists can find plenty of information about it in English.

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When is the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand?

Many tourists wonder when the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand takes place. As usual, The Songkran Festival in 2024 will be held from 13 - 15/04 according to the Gregorian calendar. This is a time for family bonding, so most people will take a few extra days off to go out and enjoy themselves. Especially in tourist cities like Phuket, Pattaya, The Songkran Festival in Thailand can last for a week or even 10 days. If you don't know when the water festival in Thailand is in which month, make sure to note down this schedule.

Thai people perform the ritual of bathing Buddha statues. Photo: ST

Activities during the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand include:

• The first day, known as Wan Sungkharn Long: Thai people spend an extra day before the festival cleaning their homes, buying new decorations, and preparing offerings for the next day. The first day will be on April 13, 2024, which falls on a Thursday.  

• The second day, known as Wan Nao: Similar to the 30th day of the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, Thai people wake up early and bring offerings to temples. They also make sand pagodas by the river, and each grain of sand carried away represents a sin. Additionally, they perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual - honoring the elderly. Younger people sprinkle scented water on the elderly to seek forgiveness and show respect and blessings. The second day will be on April 14, 2024, which falls on a Friday. 

• The third day, or Wan Payawan, marks the first day of the year. People dress beautifully and visit temples early in the morning. This day also features many unique rituals like bathing Buddha statues. This is also when the Songkran Water Festival officially begins. Besides water, some people also use colored powder to throw at each other. The last day will be on April 15, 2024, which falls on a Saturday.

The lively Songkran Water Festival takes place during the New Year celebration. Photo: ST

These are the highlights of the Songkran Festival in Thailand. You'll regret missing out on these activities when you travel to Thailand during the water festival!

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Where to join the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand?

Traveling to Thailand in April, the festive atmosphere seems to overflow across the country. For travelers, these four major cities below will definitely be the top destinations for experiencing the Songkran water splashing fun:

1. Bangkok:

The first name on the list is undoubtedly the bustling capital of Bangkok, Thailand. You can join the festivities around Banglamphu area, the Royal Rattanakosin Square, Phra Athit Road, Santhichaiprakan, and Wisut Krasat. Especially lively is Khao San Road - the busiest street in the city.

If you just want to watch, you can go to Silom to admire the 2024 Songkran Water Festival in Thailand from the BTS skywalk, but there are no guarantees as many rescue vehicles with large water guns will also join the fun.

Traveling to Thailand for the Songkran water festival, you'll immerse yourself in the livelier-than-ever atmosphere of the New Year here. Photo: ST

2. Pattaya:

What could be better than joining the 'water battle' on the clean and beautiful beachside roads? Not to mention the major music events and lively parades in the bustling Walking Street entertainment area. This has also been voted the hottest destination for April travel in Thailand.

3. Phuket:

You can visit Patong Beach and Soi Bangla to join the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand. Besides, the pier, Loma Park, or the Jungceylon event center with many recreational activities will make you forget your way back.

The beautiful dances on the streets of Thailand during the Songkran festival. Photo: ST 

4. Chiang Mai:

As the ancient city steeped in Buddhist culture, visitors here will have unique experiences like sprinkling jasmine water on Buddha statues, witnessing beauty pageants, and more.

Additionally, the vibrant street art performances at Thapae Gate Square, the aroma of delicious food will make you unable to leave this place. A little note is that there is a large water moat here for you to enjoy water splashing fun, so don't forget to visit this 'northern rose' when traveling to Thailand in April.

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What to prepare for Songkran 2024?

- Water guns: According to Mytour, it's quite impossible not to join the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand during this time. Because when you're on the street, you'll definitely be 'attacked' with water. So instead of waiting to buy an expensive water gun on the spot, you should buy one early to get a good price.

- Waterproof bag: This is a must-have to protect your electronic devices like phones, music players, cameras,... when participating in the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand.

- Appropriate attire: You should wear lightweight, quick-drying clothes like T-shirts, shorts, and preferably dark-colored clothes.

- Wear slip-resistant shoes: This is a quite important accessory that you often overlook. A good pair of shoes will help you avoid the embarrassing and painful situation of slipping.

- Sunscreen: It may sound unreasonable at first glance, but the weather in Thailand in April is extremely hot, you can get sunburned by the sun here. Especially after getting wet, you'll be even more susceptible to sunburn, so a non-greasy sunscreen is your best friend.

Remember to prepare water guns for battle at the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand. Photo: ST

- Prepare a few Thai phrases for the Songkran 2024 festival when traveling to Thailand such as:

• Sawasdee Pee Mai: Happy New Year
• Sàat-nám (sat nam): Water splash
• Bpᵾᵾn-chìit-nám (poon chit nam): Water gun
• Mâi lên nám-kɛ̌ng (mai len nam kheng): Please don't use cold water
• Mâi lên bpɛ̂ɛng (mai len peng): Please don't use powder
• Kᴐ̌ᴐ-tôot kráp (khoo thot khap), mâi lên kráp (mai len): Sorry, I don't want to play (male)
• Kᴐ̌ᴐ-tôot kâ (khoo thot kha), mâi lên kâ (mai len kha): Sorry, I don't want to play (female)

Participating in the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand, you'll have moments to release all worries and fatigue in daily life. Photo: ST

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Some unique activities in the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand 2024

In addition to the traditional water splashing games of the festival, you can also admire the Wisutkasat beauty pageant at Rama VIII Bridge. You'll witness the most beautiful and graceful Thai ladies competing in traditional Chut Thai costumes. The winner will be honored as Miss Songkran.

Playing with traditional items in the water festival is also a lot of fun. Photo: ST

If you appreciate cultural values, don't miss out on Phra Pradaeng district. People here don't use water guns for playing; instead, they use traditional items. You'll also witness colorful parades, traditional dances, boat races, flag-hanging ceremonies, and more. Be sure to visit this area when joining the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand 2024!

Some tips for travelers joining the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the water festival, remember these travel tips for visiting Thailand in April:

Things to Do During the Songkran Festival in Thailand

• Use public transportation: Many roads will be closed during this time, and it's not safe to use motorcycles or cars in the crowded and excited crowds.

• Beware of pickpockets: Due to the large crowds, keep your belongings safe. It's best to store valuables in your hotel room and lock them up.

• Be cautious on the roads: The accident rate during these three days is quite high, not to mention drunk people. Be careful when navigating through the traffic.

Use public transportation instead of your motorcycle during the festival. Photo: ST

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What Not to Do During the Songkran Festival in Thailand

• Do not splash water on monks, children, and the elderly. You may only do this in certain designated areas using scented jasmine water.

• Avoid walking on the streets, especially in central areas, if you don't intend to participate. You will definitely get wet.

• Do not show displeasure when splashed with water as it is considered impolite. For Thais, splashing water is a gesture of good luck and peace, so please respect their customs.

Why wait? Come and explore the Land of Golden Temples and join the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand 2024 now. Photo: ST

With all the insider tips for experiencing the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand in 2024, you can now plan your trip with complete peace of mind. This article has provided all the relevant information about the 2024 Songkran Water Festival in Thailand or when the water festival in Thailand takes place, typically happening in which month of the year. If you're worried about booking services during this peak season, you can check out affordable Thailand tours at Mytour. Contact the hotline Mytour for detailed advice. Wishing you a joyful trip to the 2024 Songkran Water Festival in Thailand!