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Songkran Festival Thailand 2025

 

Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival, marking the traditional Thai New Year. It is celebrated annually from 13 to 15 April, though festivities can extend up to a week.. Known for its massive water fights, Songkran attracts both locals and tourists from around the world. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officially launched the ‘Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025,’ a nationwide celebration of Thai New Year.

This festival is not just about fun; it is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and Thai culture. It represents renewal, cleansing, and respect for elders. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, experiencing Songkran is an unforgettable adventure.

 



Originally, Songkran followed the lunar calendar* but in 1940, the Thai government set 13-15 April as the official New Year period. Over time, the event evolved from a religious and family-oriented celebration into the world-famous water festival, we see today.

Songkran symbolizes new Beginnings and Purification. The festival is a time for:
- Washing away bad luck with water
- Paying respect to elders and monks
- Family reunions and offering alms
- Spring cleaning homes and temples

The core idea behind Songkran is to cleanse oneself of past misfortunes and welcome the new year with positivity and blessings.

 



The most famous part of Songkran is the water splashing. People throw water at each other as a symbolic gesture of washing away the past year’s misfortunes. This practice started as a gentle pouring of scented water over Buddha statues and elders’ hands but has evolved into massive street water fights.

Many Thai people start Songkran by visiting temples to offer food and donations to monks. A common tradition is bathing Buddha images with scented water, known as 'Rod Nam Dum Hua' to bring good luck.

Songkran is also a major holiday for family gatherings. Many Thai people return home to their families pay respect to their elders, and seek their blessings for the new year.

 



Best Places to Celebrate Songkran in Thailand:
Bangkok hosts some of the biggest Songkran parties, especially on Khao San Road and Silom Road. The streets become battle zones with water guns, buckets, and hoses drenching everyone in sight.

Chiang Mai is considered the best place to experience Songkran, with moats and canals providing an endless water supply. The entire Old City turns into a giant water battlefield with thousands of participants.

In Phuket, Patong Beach is the main hub for Songkran festivities. The island atmosphere makes it an excellent place for tourists who want to enjoy beach parties and water fights.

Pattaya celebrates Songkran for an entire week instead of just three days. The highlight is the 'Wan Lai Festival', an extended version of Songkran featuring music, parades, and cultural performances.

 

HERE ARE ALL OUR HOTEL OPTIONS FOR SONGKRAN.

 


Do's and Don’ts:
- Dress modestly despite the wet environment
- Use biodegradable powders if participating in the talc tradition
- Respect monks and elders by not splashing water on them
- Don't throw water at motorcyclists
- Don't engage in inappropriate behavior, like excessive drinking and avoid white or revealing outfits

Apart from Thailand, similar Water Festivals are also celebrated in:
- Laos – known as 'Pi Mai Lao', featuring similar water festivities
- Cambodia – called 'Choul Chnam Thmey', with water fights and Buddhist traditions
- Myanmar – known as 'Thingyan Festival', with street water fights and cultural performances

Songkran is much more than a water fight; it’s a deeply meaningful festival rooted in Thai Culture and Buddhist Traditions. Whether you celebrate in the lively streets of Bangkok or the cultural hub of Chiang Mai, Songkran is an unforgettable experience that embodies joy, renewal, and togetherness.

Recommend by your Thai Insider.

𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗦.
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦. 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦.

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