The Songkran festival is Thailand's New Year festival and is celebrated every year from April 13th to 15th.

Songkran means "to move" or "to enter." The sprinkling of water is an expression of blessing and respect. Today, Songkran is both Thailand's most important traditional festival and the world's most famous water festival.

This guidebook is based on our own Songkran experiences and years of planning trips for our clients. Discover with us where to go, how to avoid the biggest crowds, and how to experience the festival beyond the chaotic water fights.

  • Is the trip worthwhile or not?
  • Sample Songkran itinerary

    • When does the Songkran festival take place?

    Songkran officially takes place every year from April 13th to 15th. April 13th is the most important day, when the main rituals take place and the water fights begin.

    In major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the water fights typically last for three days. In the party-loving city of Pattaya, the festivities even continue until April 18th/19th.

    In smaller towns and on islands such as Kanchanaburi, Koh Lanta and Lampang, the water fights are typically concentrated only on April 13th.

    Is it worth traveling to Thailand during Songkran?

    Yes! If you want to experience Thailand at its most vibrant and authentic, Songkran is absolutely worth it.

    There are no tickets, no stages, and no "tourist version" of this festival.

    You simply step outside and you're right in the middle of it. Walking down the street, you'll likely be splashed with water by someone laughing and wishing you good luck. Children chase each other with water pistols, and before you know it, you have some white powder on your face – it's all part of the experience.

    It's not all water fights. You'll also encounter colorful parades, locals in traditional dress, flower-adorned floats, and music echoing through the streets. It's a vibrant and joyful spectacle.

    If crowds, heat, or wet weather aren't your thing, Songkran might not be the right festival for you. Nevertheless, it's a beautiful time to travel to Thailand.

    Most of the festival fun is confined to a few streets. Only in the main areas for water fights, such as in Silom, is there chaos, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on April 13th. Outside these zones, the attractions remain open and sightseeing proceeds largely as usual.

    Flights and trains are running normally, but are booking up more quickly. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid transfers during the festival days to make travel as straightforward as possible.

    Where is the best place to celebrate the Songkran festival in Thailand?

    Bangkok may be the most famous place to celebrate Songkran, but if you're looking for a deeper, more cultural experience – and not just water fights – we recommend Chiang Mai.

    1. Chiang Mai: Songkran in its most cultural form

    Chiang Mai is not as loud as Bangkok, but there you can still feel the festive atmosphere and the traditions of Thailand.

    You can stroll through the streets of the old town, join the friendly locals splashing in the water, and experience the temples of the old town where contemplative rituals take place.

    Visit Wat Phra Singh and witness the Buddha bathing procession. Sacred Buddha statues are carried on flower-adorned carts that move slowly among musicians and Lanna dancers. Locals gently sprinkle the Buddha statues with blessed, flower-petal-scented water.

    At Wat Lok Moli, worshippers and locals pass blessed water in bamboo tubes on ropes from hand to hand, climbing up to the old chedi to offer a sacred sacrifice.

    2. Bangkok: The world's largest Songkran playground

    Bangkok offers the most intense version of Songkran – larger crowds, louder music and water fights that extend over several city blocks.

    During the festival, the streets are closed to cars, fire trucks spray high-pressure water, and DJs play music as thousands of people dodge, chase, and splash each other.

    Bangkok is also home to Thailand's largest music festival, Songkran. Here, water, music, and a vibrant party atmosphere combine perfectly. For the most famous and visually spectacular experience, visit S2O with its enormous water tower stage and 360° water jets.

    3. Songkran with beach vibes: Koh Samui vs. Phuket?

    The Songkran festival is more relaxed on Thailand's islands.

    On Koh Samui, the water fights are harmless and playful, the atmosphere is relaxed and resort-like, and the Pride celebrations are inclusive.

    Phuket offers a diverse experience: In Patong, young and adventurous visitors can witness lively battles, while the quieter, alcohol-free zones in Kata and Karon provide a safe space for children and grandparents to gather. Stroll through Phuket Town and experience traditional parades – a perfect blend of festival atmosphere and relaxed island vacation.

    4. Ayutthaya: Water fights… with elephants

    Yes, really. This is one of the most unique Songkran experiences in Thailand.

    In the old city of Ayutthaya, especially on Si Sanphet Road, you can expect to see elephants beautifully painted with Sesbania flowers, who will spray you with water.

    The water fights are much more relaxed than in Bangkok – mostly locals participate, so the splashing is gentle and playful.

    5. Lampang: A quieter, more traditional Songkran

    Similar to Chiang Mai, Lampang also has strong cultural roots, but with significantly fewer crowds – here you experience a more authentic and relaxed Thai New Year celebration.

    The main event is the Salung Luang parade. Colorful floats pull the shining bowl (for blessings and new beginnings) through the old streets, accompanied by drumming and dressed in colorful Lanna costumes.

    Afterwards, locals often go to Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, this ancient, 1000-year-old temple, to participate in a simple Buddha bathing ritual.

    6. Pattaya: Good or not?

    The Songkran festival in Pattaya is especially popular with young, budget-conscious travelers and partygoers.

    The week-long celebration is characterized by wild water fights in the streets and a vibrant nightlife. The streets are crowded and noisy, and traditional Songkran rituals are limited. So, if you're looking for a quiet and cultural experience, this isn't the place for you.

    Those simply looking for a massive water fight are better off in Bangkok's Silom district. For authentic Songkran culture, Chiang Mai remains the best choice.

    Example of a Songkran itinerary (10 days): Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Phuket/Koh Samui

    For a relaxed Songkran experience, we recommend the route Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Phuket or Koh Samui. This way you can fully enjoy Songkran without getting stuck in traffic, booking overpriced hotels, or being overwhelmed by crowds.

    This trip begins in Bangkok before the Songkran festival, when the city is still functioning normally. Temples and important sights can then be explored at a leisurely pace.

    Afterwards, the journey continues to Chiang Mai for the Songkran festival itself, where the New Year's traditions can be experienced in their most authentic form. During the festival, the city is logistically much less crowded: most of the sights are close together, so traffic is hardly an issue. Furthermore, hotel prices in Phuket rise less sharply than in Bangkok or on the islands.

    After Songkran, a flight to Phuket or Koh Samui offers the opportunity to completely relax.

    Example dates and schedule

  • April 9, 2026: Arrival in Bangkok
  • April 10–11: City tour of Bangkok (Grand Palace, temples, neighborhoods, food)
  • April 12: Flight to Chiang Mai (arrival before the start of the festival)
  • April 13: Morning rituals at Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, afternoon to evening water fun at Tha Phae Tor, afternoon viewing of the official Songkran parade
  • April 14: Day trip to an elephant sanctuary outside the city – quieter, greener and less crowded.
  • April 15–18: Phuket or Koh Samui for beach holiday and relaxation

    • Leave the travel planning and booking stress to us – our 10-day Songkran Festival tour has everything organized for you, so you can simply enjoy Thailand's New Year.

    Is a visit to Thailand during the Songkran festival expensive?

    During Songkran, prices rise by about 10% compared to off-season prices at other times in April. However, they are still significantly lower than peak season prices. The price increases during Songkran mainly affect hotels and flights.

    In areas where water fights are particularly popular, hotel prices rise the most, typically by about 20%.

    For example, the price for the SO/ Bangkok (Silom) increases from US$170 to US$206, while the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, somewhat away from the hustle and bustle, remains at US$124 throughout April.

    In comparison, Chiang Mai has the lowest hotel price increases among the main Songkran tourist destinations, usually no more than 15%.

    Flight bookings also increase rapidly, by up to 50%, within 3 days before the festival.

    For example, flight prices for the Bangkok–Chiang Mai route typically increase from US$35 to US$70. Booking early or flying outside of peak travel times can save money.

    What generally does not increase significantly: Local attractions, day trips, temple visits and private transfers (outside the water zones).

    Tips and rules of conduct for boat trips during Songkran

    Water fights are a super fun way to celebrate the Songkran festival. If you want to join in, keep these tips in mind to avoid any problems.

  • Stick to the rules: It may be a "war," but there are limits. Use clean, fresh water and water pistols (high-pressure guns are prohibited) and never spray directly into the eyes or face.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid heatstroke: April is Thailand's hottest month with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Bring water, wear light clothing, and take breaks in the shade.
  • Wet powder: During Songkran, it is customary to have white powder applied to your face as a blessing (except on Khao San Road, where it is forbidden). Bring water if you wish to wash it off.
  • Dress code: Swimming goggles and swimwear are helpful, but out of cultural respect a T-shirt should always be worn.
  • Protect your electronic devices with a waterproof bag.
  • Do not splash monks, the elderly, babies, pregnant women, or working people with water. Be considerate of those who do not wish to participate in the water fight.

    • Frequently asked questions about the Songkran Festival in Thailand

    1. Which cities are particularly family-friendly during Songkran?

    If you are traveling with small children or your parents, Ayutthaya, Lampang and Phuket are the best choice! All the Songkran fun still takes place there, but it's much more relaxed.

    2. Does public transport still run during Songkran?

    Yes, but seats fill up quickly and the roads are often congested. Book early and allow extra travel time.

    3. Is Songkran more expensive than usual?

    A little bit. Prices can rise by around 20%. Flights and hotels in the super-popular, centrally located venues are more expensive. But if you don't mind staying a little outside the festival areas or eating at local restaurants (which are still fantastic!), you probably won't notice much of a difference.

    4. What are the best places for couples to celebrate Songkran?

    Those who want to experience traditional rituals will find Chiang Mai and Lampang to be the perfect place.

    Those who prefer a quieter atmosphere and want to avoid crowds should go to Koh Samui.

    5. Is it a good idea to travel to Thailand during Songkran?

    YES! Absolutely! It's Thai New Year, and it's a fantastic time to experience the culture. You can join in the legendary water fights (really, everyone participates!) and observe cool traditions like the ritual washing of Buddha statues.

    6. Will Songkran have any impact on sightseeing and travel plans?

    Yes – expect crowds, road closures and slower traffic in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai; allow extra time and choose quieter areas for temples and sights.