Discover the latest updates on the vibrant Songkran Water Festival in Thailand

Buzz

Content

1. The significance of the Thai Water Festival

2. Some useful information for Songkran Festival

Chiang Mai

Bangkok

Pattaya

Phuket

Hua Hin

The Thai Water Festival, also known as Songkran Day, is a meaningful New Year celebration filled with good fortune. As tradition goes, this year's festival is set to take place from April 13th to 15th. Don't hesitate to check out this Mytour article for exciting and essential information if you plan to join the festivities!

Anticipate an even more supercharged Songkran festival this year. @barry_krab

1. The significance of the Thai Water Festival

Experience Thailand's Songkran Water Festival, a traditional New Year celebration despite its annual April occurrence. This is due to Thailand being predominantly Buddhist (about 95%), and Buddhism is the country's national religion. Hence, Songkran New Year festivities are held on the first day of the Buddhist calendar (equivalent to April 13-15 in the Gregorian calendar), starting from 1941 as decreed by the Thai royal family.

Annual Thai Water Festival celebration. @internet

The term 'Songkran' originates from Pali, meaning 'the time of transition, when the sun moves from the Aries zodiac to the Taurus region in the universe.' During this festival, people splash water on each other and elders to show respect and wish each other well.

People joyfully splash water on each other, and elders are honored as a gesture of respect and well-wishing. @dloggers

In addition, people visit temples to participate in the Buddha bathing ceremony, offering fruits and vegetarian dishes to monks for merit-making. Following this, they extend well-wishes to parents, grandparents, and finally engage in the unique blend of ritual and festivity during Songkran: splashing scented water on each other for blessings.

Songkran is a distinctive feature of Thai tourism. @aseantourism

Everyone revels in full joy during the festival. @tripivent

Furthermore, Thais organize various parades, beauty contests, and more to enhance the festive atmosphere. Unlike traditional New Year celebrations in Vietnam, China, etc., Songkran Water Festival in Thailand is more community-oriented than family-centric. Therefore, it's an ideal celebration for tourism, inviting visitors to witness and immerse themselves in this vibrant event.

Especially during Songkran, people use buckets, water guns, and balloons to splash water on each other, believing that the more water they receive, the luckier they'll be. @aaronjoelsantos

Foreign tourists eagerly join in the festive fun. @farenertravel

Not only do you have to 'battle' with the locals, but you'll also need to find a way to 'triumph' over the native elephants. @farenertravel

Even the police get involved! @danibeleta

The Songkran Water Festival in Thailand typically involves rituals: cleaning homes and discarding old items (on Wan Sungkharn Long), preparing food for the upcoming days (on the second day, Wan Nao), and Wan Payawan (the first day of the new year) with ceremonies such as temple visits to offer food, clothing, cleaning Buddha images, and sprinkling scented water. Wan Payawan marks the beginning of the Songkran Water Festival.

However, different regions in Thailand may have varying customs and organize Songkran Water Festival differently. @thailandholiday

2. Some useful information for Songkran Festival

If you decide to participate in this year's Songkran Festival, consider the following information: The festival takes place in familiar areas and major tourist centers of Thailand, such as Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket, from April 13th to 15th this year.

Songkran Water Festival takes place in well-known areas of Thailand like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket… @travelog__pico

Chiang Mai

For a unique experience, visit Chiang Mai on April 12th as locals kick off the festival preparations. Being the birthplace of the Thai Water Festival, Chiang Mai's celebration is early and grand. Here, you can witness the procession of Buddha statues around the city, typically following the route of Nawarat Bridge - Thapae Gate - various streets, and concluding at Wat Prasingh Temple.

Parading during the Songkran Water Festival in Chiang Mai. @happymind

Buddha procession at Wat Prasingh Temple. @internet

Unleash the fun at Songkran Chiang Mai. @keithweidner

Bangkok

If your Thailand trip lands you in Bangkok this time, you're in for a blast. Bangkok, being the most vibrant and lively city in Thailand, ensures unlimited enjoyment. Moreover, the Songkran Water Festival here offers numerous unique and distinctive features.

When it comes to the festival, every corner of Bangkok buzzes with excitement. Both tourists and locals come together to revel in the festivities. @danielallenphotography

The celebration belongs to everyone, not just one person. @_atravellersjourna

In Bangkok during the Songkran season, even if you've never experienced Songkran before, you'll never feel out of place. Areas around Banglamphu, Phra Athit Street, Santhichaiprakan, Wisut Krasat, Rattanakosin Square, or the western Khao San Road district are lively, bustling, and enthusiastic during the water-splashing tradition.

Vibrant water-splashing tradition in Bangkok. @internet

During the festival, even if unexpectedly ambushed, you'll joyfully embrace and respond! @odaodden

On regular days... don't even think about it! @promocodeshotel

Charming hotels in Bangkok!

Pattaya

If you can't arrange your Thailand trip on April 13-15 or your group wants to 'fall in love once again' with this super exciting Thai Water Festival, head straight to the coastal city of Pattaya (Chonburi province). The Songkran Water Festival here takes place after the main Songkran days, extending from April 18th to 20th. Pattaya also hosts the Miss Songkran beauty and talent competition.

Phuket

The famous coastal city of Phuket is also an attractive destination for this year's Songkran Water Festival. The festival atmosphere here is always lively and bustling with water splashing, parties, street performances, and dancing along the seaside streets like Soi Bangla, Patong. Moreover, there are even extravagant water displays featuring elephants, fire trucks, and dragon floats.

If you miss out on Bangkok during the main festival, you can still enjoy the New Year ambiance in Phuket. Don't forget to join the Phuket Fantasea festival! @phuketfantasea

Indulge in the distinctive Thai artistic performances. @phuketfantasea

Many extravagant water displays even feature the participation of elephants, fire truck hoses. @avax

Hua Hin

If your Thailand trip this time leads you to the South, don't miss the Songkran Festival 2018 in Hua Hin. The Water Festival here takes place on a single day, April 13th, with the celebratory procession along Naresdamri Road. Travelers often join locals in this parade as it's not just a traditional ritual but also uniquely and grandly organized – an unforgettable travel experience no visitor wants to miss.

Water Festival in Hua Hin. @internet

As the procession concludes, traditional folk games like mon son pha, tee chab… and lively yet 'dramatic' water splashing events unfold throughout the city. Since it only happens for a day, many travelers choose to arrive in Hua Hin early to participate in this unique and exciting water festival before heading to other cities where the water festival takes place on April 15th.

The Water Festival in Hua Hin is a travel experience no visitor wants to miss. @suriyasuriya

Additionally, you can immerse yourself in the festivities in Khon Kaen (located on the way from Bangkok to Udon Thani) with various exciting sideline activities such as a vibrant decorated ox-cart parade, food fairs, or iron ball throwing competitions.

The Songkran Water Festival in Thailand is inherently community-centric, making it the perfect time for your travel escapade. @gypsyescapade

The Songkran Water Festival is when you feel the locals' friendliness and experience the distinctive culture of the Land of Smiles. Most importantly, it's a time for you to enjoy to the fullest, unwind, and relax after hectic days. With this guide in hand, feel free to roam and soak in the New Year atmosphere all over Thailand.

The content is developed by the Mytour team with the aim of customer care and solely to inspire travel experiences. We do not take responsibility for or provide advice for other purposes.

If you find this article inappropriate or containing errors, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Thai Water Festival and why is it celebrated?

The Thai Water Festival, or Songkran, marks the traditional New Year celebration in Thailand. It's significant as it symbolizes a time of transition, celebrated with rituals such as water splashing to show respect and well-wishing, reflecting the country’s Buddhist culture.

When and where does the Songkran Festival typically take place in Thailand?

Songkran is celebrated annually from April 13th to 15th, particularly in major tourist areas such as Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Hua Hin, and Phuket. Each region may host unique customs and festivities, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.

How do people participate in the Songkran Water Festival activities?

Participants engage in water splashing using buckets, water guns, and balloons, believing this brings good luck. Additionally, they visit temples for ceremonies, parade Buddha statues, and partake in traditional rituals, creating a festive community spirit.

Are there specific rituals associated with the Songkran Festival that participants should know?

Yes, the festival includes rituals such as cleaning homes, discarding old items, visiting temples, and offering food to monks. These customs are essential for merit-making and highlight the cultural importance of the Songkran celebration.

Is the Songkran Water Festival different in various regions of Thailand?

Yes, the Songkran Festival varies across regions. For example, Chiang Mai's celebration is grand and early, while Pattaya hosts it later. Each area has distinct customs and events that contribute to the overall festive experience.

What should tourists expect when joining the Songkran festivities in Thailand?

Tourists can expect a lively atmosphere filled with water fights, parades, and cultural performances. It’s an immersive experience that reflects the local culture, offering a chance to interact with residents and participate in traditional rituals.