When it comes to Thai holiday celebrations, Songkran has the most disarming effect. By that, we mean revellers get wet and wild as they soak each other with water during the hottest month of the year. Songkran looks to come back with a vengeance too especially after a forced hiatus due to the pandemic. Guru By Bangkok Post presents a list of water festivals where you can make the most of your Songkran moments. Go wet or go home!
Bangkok’s water war zones
Khao San Road
When: April 12-15
Celebrating Songkran at Khao San Road is the perfect excuse to let loose and soak up the fun. The walking street has been secured for the celebration for four days, from noon till late. However, the real water-splashing fiesta kicks off after a merit-making ceremony on April 12, featuring 99 monks and a holy water tunnel to mark a fresh start to the Thai New Year. Expect to see locals and tourists alike unleashing their inner child and turning the street into a water gunfight.
Siam Square
When: April 13-15
Looking for a low-key water celebration for the whole family to enjoy? Don't miss Siam Square's annual Songkran Festival. Each year, the event's main theme is the traditional Thai loincloth or pha khao ma, and everyone is encouraged to dress up in Thai costumes to fully embrace the festive spirit of Songkran. A line-up of more than 20 singers and music bands will take the stage at the lifestyle district, over the course of three days. For those who want to make a splashy entrance, slide down the giant water slide at Siam Square One! Visit fb.com/Songkransiam.
Cultural Songkran festivals
Nakhon Phanom Songkran Festival: Nakhon Phanom Beach 2023
When: April 13-15
Wait, when did Nakhon Phanom get a beach? The northeastern province is gearing up for Songkran by transforming its riverbank near the Sawan Chaikong riverfront walkway into a beach when the Mekong River dries up during summer. Visitors can expect sunbeds lining the shore, as well as beachy activities such as volleyball, jet skiing, banana boat rides and parasailing. Look forward to a grand parade that will showcase the best of each of Nakhon Phanom's 12 districts, alongside 14 ethnic groups' way of life demonstration, including traditional dances and costumes, marching through the province's city centre.
Water Festival 2023 by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
When: April 13-16
The Water Festival 2023 returns for its 8th edition with a series of events and festivities taking place in six provinces, namely Chiang Mai and Lamphun in the North, Udon Thani and Khon Kaen in the Northeast, Phuket in the South and Bangkok. Working in collaboration with ThaiBev, the Ministry of Culture and other partners, the event connects you to the true roots of the localities while promoting cultural significance, with the goal of having Songkran recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by Unesco. Check out the programme at fb.com/WaterFestivalThailand.
Elephant Songkran Festival
When: April 12-16
"Splashing for a good cause" defines Surin's Elephant Songkran Festival. As the same suggests, the event promises an epic showdown between your trusty water gun and the elephants' powerful trunks. Get ready for a splashing good time with 50 well-trained elephants from the elephant sanctuary inside Surin Zoo, and see who emerges champion of the water fight. Festivities, including traditional Thai folk dances, an elephant parade and music performances, are among the highlights. Vendors selling local delicacies and crafts will set up their stalls in the marketplace zone, and part of the sale proceeds will be donated to the Surin's Elephant Hospital. Campers can spend a night in a designated campsite near the elephant sanctuary, surrounded by the lush natural environment, for an intimate experience with Mother Nature.
Khon Kaen Songkran Festival: Dok Khoon Flower Festival, Sound of The Khaen and Khao Niao Road
When: April 8-15
Songkran celebrations in the northern province of Khon Kaen are nothing short of extravagant, with three celebratory events in one festival. Summertime is when Ratchaphruek flowers (dok khoon) are in full bloom, feasting eyes with vibrant shades of yellow. The province celebrates the blooming season with a flower festival, along with a "Sound Of The Khaen" [bamboo mouth organ] Festival, a floral cart competition, traditional dance shows and a parade. Khao Niao Road (Srichan Road) acts as a watery zone for a splashing good time.
Ang Thong Songkran Festival
When: April 13-15
Since Bangkok's Khao San (raw rice) Road and Khon Kaen's Khao Niao (sticky rice) Road are already on the list, how about another namesake road for watery fun? Ang Thong's canalside Khao Suk (cooked rice) Road will be cordoned off to traffic for a street party for the Thai New Year celebration. Highlights include a Miss Songkran's parade and a floating stage for traditional performances.
Phuket Songkran Festival
When: April 12-15
See the traditional side of Songkran with the Phuket Songkran Festival. Taking place in the heart of Phuket's Old Town, Dibuk Road will be closed for the water festival, hosted under the concept of "Embracing Thai Traditions". The event is a hive of quintessential Songkran festivities, with performances and ceremonies that showcase Thai culture and heritage; think of pouring water on the hands of revered elders, sprinkling scented water on the Buddha and traditional Thai performances. While there will be a watery zone for a splashing water fight, it's important to note that there are strict rules in place, including the use of powder and alcoholic drinks being banned, and smoking and being topless are also prohibited.
Wet ’n’ wild pool parties
So Pool Party: Songkran Edition
When: April 15-16
Rather than hurling water around, why not cannonball into the pool to cool off from the heat at So Pool Party? Sathorn's So/ Bangkok is hosting a Songkran pool party with one of the best panoramic views in town — lush Lumphini Park. Expect techno, house and disco beats spun by Bangkok's most celebrated DJs. Tickets start at B500 per person via bit.ly/3GlI26i.
Mad Stash X Westin Pool Party
When: April 15
Party organiser Mad Stash is hosting a Songkran pool party at Westin Grande Sukhumvit with an incredible line-up of DJs. Tickets cost B800 and include a drink. Be there before 4pm for a happy hour of buy-one-get-one-free promotion on selected drinks. Tickets via bit.ly/407Mf5p.
Songkran Splash Away Pool Party
When: April 13-14
W Bangkok's Songkran Splash Away pool party is making a comeback with a "Summer Stripes" theme. Get ready for music from local and international DJs, including Groove and Yuuki Yoshiyama, who are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Tickets start at B790 and include a welcome drink. Visit bit.ly/3ZNmjvb.
Sun, Sizzle, Swim, Sip
When: April 14-15
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon will host its first-ever Songkran Festival with two parties to usher in the Thai New Year. Get ready to party from the clouds at Sky Beach on April 14, where you can take in breathtaking views of Bangkok while enjoying a night of epic fun. Then, cool off the next day at The Pool's party with none other than Sydney-based DJ Jitwam spinning fresh sounds to keep you dancing all day long. Tickets for the sky-high party set you back B1,080 and include two drinks, while tickets to the pool party start at B750. Visit standardhotels.com/bangkok.
Riverside fun and games
When: April 13-14
Celebrate the Thai New Year with family and friends at Shangri-La Bangkok’s poolside with magnificent views of the Chao Phraya River. Delight in the chef’s special selection with live cooking stations, be entertained with upbeat DJ music, exciting shows, and fun water games. Cool off from the heat with refreshing drinks from the bar. The “Songkran Pool Party” will be held on April 13-14 from 3-9pm. Entrance tickets include a welcome drink per person and is priced at B600 nett per day (until April 12), B700 nett per day at the door. Call 02-236-7777 or visit bit.ly/SongkranPoolParty2023-Media.
