Songkran 101: Everything you need to know

I’ve always been the kind of traveller who loves diving into local traditions.. even if I have no idea what’s going on half the time. From chasing confetti parades in Spain to marching in a St Patrick's Day parade, there’s something magical about stumbling into a celebration you didn’t see coming.

But nothing, and I mean nothing – prepared me for Songkran Festival in Thailand.

I’d heard whispers about this legendary Thai Water Festival from other backpackers: three days of pure chaos, soaked streets, and water fights that make you feel like a kid again. But no one really explained how surreal it would feel stepping into the middle of it. One moment you’re walking to grab lunch, the next you’ve got an ice-cold bucket of water dumped over your head by a grinning stranger but somehow, you're laughing.

Celebrating Songkran is unlike anything most travellers will ever experience. It’s wild and joyful, but beneath the soaking-wet fun lies something deeply cultural and beautiful. It’s not just a water fight, it’s Thailand’s New Year, a time for cleansing, renewal, and connection.

What is Songkran Festival?

At first glance, Songkran festival in Thailand might look like a nation-wide water fight gone rogue, and to be fair, it kind of is. But behind the buckets and Super Soakers lies a tradition with deep roots.

Songkran marks the beginning of the Thai New Year and is traditionally celebrated from April 13th to 15th. The word “Songkran” comes from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti, which means ‘movement’ or ‘change’—a nod to the sun shifting into a new astrological position. While the modern version of the festival is known for its wild water battles, the original customs are a little more peaceful.

Traditionally, families would pour fragrant water over the hands of their elders and over Buddha statues as a way of showing respect, washing away bad luck, and welcoming a fresh start. It’s about renewal, reflection, and spending time with loved ones.

Today, celebrating Songkran has become a blend of spiritual rituals and full-blown street parties. From temples to town squares, the whole country joins in, making the Thai Water Festival one of the most vibrant and unforgettable experiences in Southeast Asia.

Modern-Day Songkran: What to Expect

If traditional Songkran is about cleansing the soul and honouring elders, modern-day Songkran in Thailand feels like the country collectively said, “Let’s turn this up to 100.”

For three days straight, the streets become battlegrounds – and everyone is fair game (well, almost everyone. We’ll get to that later). Imagine entire city blocks shut down and transformed into water zones. Locals line the streets with buckets and hoses, shopkeepers blast music from massive speakers, and tourists roam around armed with colourful water guns like gleeful warriors in floral shirts.

You can be minding your business, just walking to get a coffee, and BAM – someone hits you with a freezing splash from a passing pickup truck loaded with grinning Thai teenagers. And the thing is… you love it. That initial shock turns into pure joy.

In places like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket, the energy is electric. Roads are blocked off to make room for dance parties, DJs, food stalls, and rivers of people moving in a happy, soaked chaos. Locals and travellers celebrate side by side, no language needed – just laughter, water, and the occasional apologetic shrug after getting someone right in the ear.

While you’ll still see traditional ceremonies at temples in the mornings, people offering food to monks or gently pouring water over statues, once the afternoon heat kicks in, it’s water war time. It’s playful, unpredictable, and honestly, one of the most unforgettable things I’ve ever experienced.

Best Places to Celebrate Songkran

One of the best things about Songkran in Thailand is that no matter where you are, you will get wet. But if you’re trying to decide where to celebrate Songkran, each destination offers a totally different vibe – from full-on madness to mellow, cultural charm.

🥇 Chiang Mai – The Wild One

If you’ve heard anything about Songkran, chances are it involved Chiang Mai. This northern city is hands-down one of the best cities for Songkran, famous for its epic, city-wide water fight. The old city moat becomes the unofficial (but very real) front line, with people filling buckets straight from the water and launching them at anyone in sight. It’s absolutely wild – in the best way – and the celebrations here can stretch beyond the typical three days. Expect huge crowds, DJs, and non-stop action.

🎉 Bangkok – The Street Party Capital

Bangkok knows how to do Songkran big. Head to Khao San Road or Silom Road for massive street parties, dance stages, foam machines, and an endless flow of water fights. It’s loud, chaotic, and completely immersive – you’ll barely walk two steps without getting soaked. For those wanting to combine urban energy with Songkran spirit, Bangkok is your place.

🌊 Phuket – The Beach Party Vibes

Imagine dancing on the beach, water gun in one hand and coconut in the other. That’s Songkran in Phuket. Patong Beach is the hotspot here, offering a slightly more laid-back version of the festival with the bonus of ocean views and island vibes. It’s perfect if you want your water fights with a side of sand and sunsets.

🌅 Hua Hin & Smaller Towns – Chill but Still Soaked

If you love the idea of celebrating Songkran but don’t want to be shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowd of thousands, smaller towns like Hua Hin offer a more relaxed yet still festive experience. You’ll find a lovely mix of locals and travellers, and the vibe is a lot more manageable, especially if you’re not up for three straight days of mayhem. Plus, it’s a great way to see the more traditional side of the festival, with temple visits and family celebrations still front and centre.

🧳 What to Pack for Songkran

Packing for the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand isn’t just about tossing a few things into your backpack,  it’s about preparing for full-blown, joyful chaos. Think of it like gearing up for the most wholesome water war of your life. You’ll want to stay safe, dry (ish), and stylish while still being respectful of Thai culture and customs. 

Here's your essential Songkran packing list:

🦩 Hawaiian / Aloha Shirt

The unofficial uniform of Songkran celebrations. Loud, bright, and completely fabulous – these shirts are everywhere during the festival, and yes, locals and foreign tourists wear them too. If you forget to pack one, no worries, the streets (especially around Siam Square and Khao San Road) will be lined with stalls selling them for a few baht.

👟 Waterproof Footwear

Flip-flops are fine, but something with grip is better. You’ll be walking through puddles, dancing in the street, and maybe even dodging buckets of water, especially at spots like Silom Road, so think rubber sandals, Crocs, or water shoes that won’t leave you slipping around like Bambi on ice.

🔫 Water Gun / Super Soaker

You’re not just attending the traditional Thai New Year, you’re participating in one of the most unforgettable Songkran festivities in Southeast Asia. Whether you go for the massive bazooka-style blaster or a tiny pocket shooter, make sure it’s something you won’t mind losing,things can get intense, especially in places like Patong Beach or Koh Samui.

📱 Dry Bag for Your Phone

Let us take a moment of silence for the phones that didn’t make it through past Maha Songkran celebrations. If your dry bag isn’t up to the task, just leave your phone at the hostel. A clear, waterproof pouch worn around your neck is the safest bet.

🕶 Eye Protection (Glasses or Goggles)

Sounds dramatic? It’s not. Getting blasted in the face with icy moat water is all part of the fun.. until it hits your eyes. A cheap pair of clear or tinted glasses will keep your vision and your vibe intact during the wild Songkran tradition.

🎒 Belt Bag or Crossbody

 Keep your essentials close and your hands free for water fights. Bonus points if it’s waterproof or fits inside your dry bag. You’ll want to keep your stuff dry whether you're at a massive street party or a peaceful temple visit.

☀️ Sunscreen & Earplugs

Sunscreen is a no-brainer, you’ll be outside all day. Earplugs might sound extra, but they’re a lifesaver if you're heading to Songkran in Chiang Mai, where some people use water from the moat. It’s not uncommon for temple monks and even Buddhist temples to be near the action.

👚 Modest, Quick-Drying Clothes

This one’s important: even though it feels like a water park, remember that Songkran is a deeply meaningful cultural activity. Swimwear, short shorts, and crop tops should be left at home. Go for light, breathable clothing that covers you up and dries quickly, especially if you plan to visit a Buddha statue or take part in a song nam phra ritual.

Songkran Etiquette: Do’s & Don’ts

Yes, Thailand’s Songkran Festival is the ultimate water fight – but it’s still rooted in Thai traditions, and there are a few unspoken (and sometimes very spoken) rules to follow. It’s all about having fun and showing respect, especially since you're taking part in a celebration that means a lot to the Thai people.

✅ Do:

• Check before you splash – If someone’s clearly not in the mood or carrying a camera, maybe give them a pass (and a smile instead).
  
• Dress modestly – Think respectful, not risqué. Light layers that cover up and dry quickly are ideal – especially if you're heading to a buddhist temple like Wat Pho.
  
• Be gentle – This isn’t a water-based WWE match. Save the mega-soaker sneak attacks for your friends, not strangers’ faces.
  
  

❌ Don’t:

• Splash monks, the elderly, pregnant women, or small children – It’s considered highly disrespectful.
  
• Spray moving vehicles or drivers – It's dangerous, can cause serious accidents, and it's illegal.
  
• Wear swimsuits or revealing clothes – You might think it’s fine because you’re getting soaked, but this isn’t a beach party. Police do hand out fines during Songkran Day for indecent clothing.

💧 Why Songkran is Unmissable

There are travel moments that live in your camera roll, and then there are ones that live in your bones. Celebrating Songkran in Thailand is absolutely one of the latter.

There’s a unique kind of energy that pulses through the streets – a mix of joy, community, and childlike chaos. Tourists and Thai people become instant teammates. Strangers hand you water refills. Music plays from every corner. It’s loud, wet, beautiful mayhem – and at the same time, incredibly moving when you remember what it’s all rooted in: cleansing, gratitude, and cultural promotion.

One of my favourite moments was on day two in Chiang Mai – soaked to the skin, I wandered into a small temple courtyard where a local family was offering water over a Buddha statue in a rod nam dam hua ritual. They bowed gently, completely still amidst the frenzy outside. That quiet moment of traditional ceremonies within the madness stuck with me.

Songkran isn’t just a party. It’s the kind of celebration where a whole country pauses, lets go of the old year, and welcomes the new with open arms, wan nao fun, and buckets of water.

✨ Bonus Tips for First-Timers

If it’s your first time diving into Songkran festivities, here are a few survival tips you’ll be glad to know:

Book early – Hostels and hotels fill up fast, especially in hotspots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or beachy spots like Patong Beach or Koh Samui.
Join a group – Travelling solo? Look for hostel meetups or cultural performances organised by the Tourism Authority.
Avoid travel between April 13–15 – Roads are packed, delays are common, and yes, your luggage will get wet.
Buy gear in advance– Water guns, dry bags, and aloha shirts sell out fast, especially near Khon Kaen or Phra Pradaeng, where traditional elements are still going strong.

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Stay Connected 

Between snapping pics, messaging your travel buddies, and figuring out where the next water party is, you’ll want to stay connected throughout Songkran. But here’s the thing: international roaming fees can sneak up on you fast…and no one wants a €120 phone bill as a souvenir.

Get a local eSIM before you arrive and stay online without the stress. No waiting in airport queues, no swapping SIM cards, just instant access to data the moment you land.

👉 Explore our Thai eSIM plans: designed to keep you connected all festival long.

Not sure how eSIMs work? We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide on how to install an eSIM and a helpful breakdown of what data roaming actually is so you can avoid it like a bucket of ice water to the face.