The summer heat can't stop us from getting all the fun of Songkran. It's that time of year where everyone dresses in vibrant colours and gets drenched with water.
With so many activities to choose from, Bangkok has become one of the best spots in the country for revellers to experience the water festival, either in a traditional way or in the wetter and wilder modern manner.
Considering how El Nino may affect our natural water sources this year, we urge everyone to celebrate the festival in such a way that they use less water but still maintain that unique Songkran vibe.
Here is a list of Songkran activities in Bangkok.
EmQuartier Summer Republic 2019
At Quartier Avenue, ground floor EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Road Until April 16, 10am-9pm
Held under the theme "Colorful Day, Playful Night", this event features a 30m-long beach with dazzling pink sand, sea life conservation activities and workshops, must-have accessories from famous stores, and cool drinks and refreshing treats from a pop-up bar. There are also special performances by Phum Viphurit on April 13 at 7pm, Max Jenmana on April 14 at 7pm and Telexs Telexs on April 15 also at 7pm.
Call 02-259-8345 or 02-269-1000 ext 1021.
Siam Paragon Wonderful Songkran 2019: The Grace Of Siam Festival
At Siam Paragon, Rama I Until April 16, 10am-10pm
Featuring a special exhibition titled "The Buddha Images: Auspicious Treasure Of The Front Palace -- Essence Of Posture Of Buddha Image For The Days Of The Week". Learn about similar water splashing traditions in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and India in another exhibition where replicas of sand pagodas specially designed by the Fine Arts Department are also exhibited. There are free workshops and demonstrations of Thai traditional crafts daily from 10am-6pm.
Call 02-610-8000.
A Sense Of Thai 2019
At Central Embassy, Phloenchit Road Until April 21, 10am-10pm
This event invites all visitors to dress in traditional Thai costumes and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Songkran. A highlight is the spectacular four-storey lighting lantern display featuring a 10-minute lighting show every hour of the day. There is also the "Sabai Jai Market" with 30 stalls of clothing, food and contemporary Thai gifts until April 17.
Call 02-119-7777 ext 2001.
Atlantis Water Festival
At The Proud Market, RCA, Rama IX April 12-15, 9am-5pm
Set to be an epic party, with a spectacular stage and light and sound system, this event will feature top local and international DJs and performers for some non-stop Songkran fun. Set to perform will be Bang Bang Bang, Twopee Southside, UDT Boys+IronBoy, J$R, Ben Bizzy, Maiyarap and P-Hot from Thailand; and Timwho?, Hanmin, Mike Cervello, Cesqeaux, Snavs and 4B from overseas. More than 200 beautiful ladies will be in attendance to add to the party vibes.
Tickets cost 800 baht. Visit facebook.com/Atlantis.Water.Festival or call 062-637-8888.
Siam Songkran
At Show DC Arena, Rama IX April 12-15, 4pm-midnight
Set to be the largest Songkran music festival in Thailand, and a new Songkran destination in the city, this festival blends elements of Thai and Western culture for a packed music and entertainment programme. Four outdoor zones and two huge stages will showcase live music from top talents from Thailand and around Asia. There will also be a vintage market offering shopping fun and local Thai dishes.
Tickets range from 1,700 baht for a single-day pass to 6,900 baht for a VIP four-day pass. Visit siamsongkran.com.
Mega Songkran: A Blast Of Fun And Chic In Thai Style
At Megabangna, Bang Na-Trat Road April 12-16, 11am-7pm
Featuring a wide variety of traditional activities for everyone in the family. The Merit zone houses Buddha images for visitors to sprinkle water over as a blessing and Thai contemporary performances onstage, including a Ta Teung Mong percussion show and a Body Balance Men show. The Fun-tastic zone has fun rides, including a Ferris wheel, carousel, Funny Train and shooting game, while the water slides in the Water Park Avenger zone will allow everyone to have some splashing fun. Evoking the atmosphere of the era of King Narai the Great will be an ancient market at the Banking zone where savoury Thai food and desserts will be served.
Visit mega-bangna.com or call 02-105-1000.
Water Festival 2019
Along the curve of the Chao Phraya River April 13-15, 8.30am-10pm
Held under the theme "Yoo Yen Pen Sook", the festival features traditional Songkran-themed activities and entertainment at nine waterfront venues with historical significance: Wat Phra Chetuphon, Wat Arun, Wat Kalayanamitra, Wat Prayurawongsawas, Maharaj Pier, Yodpiman River Walk, Asiatique The Riverfront, Lhong 1919 and Sook Siam@Iconsiam. There will be a Buddha bathing ritual, sand pagoda building, cultural performances, craft workshops, community stalls offering local crafts and products, and different fun activities at each venue. All visitors are encouraged to dress in traditional Thai costume.
Free shuttle-boat service will be available from 9am-10pm on all three days. Visit waterfestivalthailand.com.
Songkran Festival 2019
At Lhong 1919, Chiang Mai Road, Khlong San April 13-15, 9am-10pm
Featuring many family-friendly activities including the Buddha bathing ritual, a Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony, as well as art and craft workshops on how to make traditional Thai desserts, flower garlands, paper cuttings and herbal infused medicinal liquor. There will also be food trucks and Thai long drum contemporary dance.
Call 091-187-1919.
Zanook Fest 2019: Beach Ball Party
At Spotlight and Zappening Future Park and Zpell, Phahon Yothin Road April 13-15, 11am-8pm
Featuring a 12m-long stream tunnel; a mini concert by CD Guntee & Dawut on April 13 at 6pm, The Years on April 14 at 7pm and Tum Warawut on April 15 at 7pm; and a food market serving sumptuous dishes from 28 top food outlets. This is also a chance to pour water onto Buddha images on loan from nine famous temples.
Call 02-958-0011.
Bangkok Post Presents Bangkok Songkran Festival 2019
At CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road April 13-15, noon-9pm
Held under the "Splash Factory 2019" concept with the aim of being the biggest and safest spot for water fun in the city, the festival is divided into three major zones with a range of activities. The Food Truck zone will offer great food, and feature a Buddha image at its centre for people to sprinkle water over as a blessing. The Fun Stage zone will see popular acts from Sanam Luang Music and Grammy taking turns to perform over the three afternoons. The line-up includes Potato, Joey Boy and Oaf Pongsak. The Water Tower zone will feature amazing water machines that get everyone to dance. Everyone is invited to attend, but must follow the five rules: no sexy dress, no powder, no alcohol, no high pressure water guns and avoid excessive water usage.
Visit facebook.com/M2FNews.
S2O Songkran Music Festival 2019
At Live Park, Rama IX Road April 13-15, 5pm-midnight
Featuring premium music by some of the world's top DJs, including Fatboy Slim, Tiesto, Steve Aoki, 1788-L, David Gravell and Cat Dealers. Party-goers can also enjoy "Heineken® Star Hive" which will offer a music experience that will turn all of the boring moments of the usual Songkran parties into something more fun, fresh and intense.
Tickets cost 2,000 baht. Visit s2ofestival.com.
