Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, observed every year on April 13 to 15. It began as a gentle ritual of pouring scented water on Buddha images and the hands of elders to ask for blessings and wash away bad luck. Over time it grew into a large public water festival, particularly in tourist cities, where people of all ages use water guns, buckets and hoses on the street. If you plan well, you can enjoy both the traditional side and the playful side. This guide covers the best places, etiquette, safety, packing and a simple plan.
Songkran 2027 Dates
The official public holiday dates are April 13 to 15, 2027. In practice, cities often extend celebrations by a day or several days, and some events start before the official dates or continue afterwards. The festival falls at the peak of the hot season in much of Thailand, so temperatures are high and the water is welcome. Neighbouring countries celebrate similar new year festivals around the same time, including Laos and Cambodia. Check your destination's official programme and any local rules about hours and areas where water play is allowed.
Best Places to Celebrate Songkran
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the most famous Songkran city, with a long water-play tradition around the old city moat, parades, temple events and a festive street atmosphere. It is also where the traditional customs are easy to see. It is busy and hot, so book accommodation early.
Bangkok
Bangkok offers large organised events and street parties in certain areas, such as Silom and Khao San Road, while many local neighbourhoods keep quieter, more traditional celebrations. Many residents leave the city for their home provinces, so parts of the city become noticeably quieter.
Phuket, Pattaya and the islands
Beach destinations offer water fights combined with seaside relaxation, often with beach parties and music. They are lively and tourist-heavy, with higher prices.
Smaller towns and temples
If you prefer a calmer, more traditional Songkran, choose a smaller city or a temple area where locals gather for merit-making, family blessings and gentle water ceremonies.
A Simple 5-Day Songkran Plan (Chiang Mai)
Day 1: Arrive and prepare
Arrive before the official start, set up a waterproof bag for your phone and documents, and walk the old city without getting soaked. Buy a water gun and a small dry bag.
Day 2: Temples and traditional blessings
Visit temples in the morning to see merit-making and the gentle pouring of water on Buddha images. Respect dress codes, and keep voices low.
Day 3: The main water day
Join the celebration around the moat in the late morning or early afternoon, take breaks in shaded cafés and drink plenty of water. Keep your valuables in the hotel safe and carry only what is waterproof.
Day 4: Parade and cultural events
Watch the parade or cultural events, and perhaps take part in a traditional ceremony. Keep your schedule relaxed, as many shops and restaurants may be closed.
Day 5: Recover and depart
Sleep in, rest, and leave extra time for transport. Roads are crowded as people return home.
Water-Fight Etiquette: How to Be a Good Participant
- Treat it as a game, not an attack. Aim at the body and avoid faces, especially with high-pressure hoses.
- Do not splash monks, elderly people, babies or people who are working, such as drivers and delivery riders.
- Respect no-water zones such as temples, hospitals and some parts of markets.
- Accept a gentle splash graciously. Locals may apply a small dab of white powder or blessing water as a good-luck gesture.
- Avoid ice water, which can cause injury or shock, and keep your water clean.
Safety: What Visitors Should Know
Songkran is a fun but risky time for road safety. Traffic accidents increase during the holiday, particularly for motorbikes and in wet conditions. Avoid riding scooters during the festival, wear a helmet if you must ride, and use trusted taxis or ride-hailing services for longer journeys. Keep valuables in a waterproof pouch, carry minimal cash, and avoid wearing contact lenses if you can. Drink water regularly because the heat is intense. Be careful on wet pavements, protect your ears, and avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Keep your passport copies and accommodation address with you, and travel with someone you trust.
What to Wear and Pack
- Quick-dry shorts, tops and swimwear, which are fine in public as long as you stay modest around temples.
- Waterproof phone case and a small dry bag for essentials.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat for dry periods and a small towel.
- Flip-flops or shoes that can get wet, and a spare dry outfit.
- A refillable water bottle and any medication in sealed bags.
For a temple visit, bring a light shirt or scarf to cover shoulders and knees, and change before you enter.
Traditional Customs Worth Seeing
Thais clean their homes, visit temples to offer food to monks, and pour scented water over the hands of elders to show respect. Families gather, and many people return to their home provinces. Building small sand pagodas at temples, releasing fish or birds in some regions and carrying out religious ceremonies are also part of the celebration. Ask permission before photographing people during ceremonies, and follow temple etiquette. If you are invited to a family event, bring a small gift such as fruit or sweets.
Closures, Transport and Booking Tips
Many shops, small restaurants and offices close for part of the holiday, and public transport is crowded. Book flights, trains, buses and hotels as early as possible, and look for flexible or refundable options. Consider arriving a day before the main festival and leaving a day after the crowds disperse. Keep a small reserve of cash, since some ATMs may run low. For beach add-ons after the festival, see our warm destinations guide, and for other Thai festivals read our Loy Krathong and Yi Peng guide.
Costs and How to Plan Them
Prices rise during Songkran in popular cities. Rather than a fixed budget, list accommodation, flights or buses, local transport, food, activities, water gear, souvenirs and a buffer of 10 to 15 percent. Compare at least three accommodation options for your exact dates, check minimum-stay rules and confirm cancellation terms. Eating at local restaurants is usually cheaper than tourist-area cafés.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wearing clothes you can not afford to ruin, or carrying a non-waterproof phone.
- Renting a scooter in busy areas during the festival.
- Splashing monks, elders or workers.
- Arriving without accommodation or transport booked.
- Planning a tight schedule and not allowing for closures.
Final Checklist
- Hotels, transport and insurance booked, with cancellation terms checked.
- Waterproof pouch, quick-dry clothes, sunscreen and a water gun packed.
- A plan for temples, the main water day and quieter recovery days.
- Knowledge of local rules and no-water zones.
If you want help matching Songkran with a longer Thailand route, use the contact form below.
More Questions Travellers Ask About Songkran
Can I avoid getting wet during Songkran?
In busy areas it is almost impossible, but you can limit it. Stay away from the main streets and moat areas, visit temples and local neighbourhoods, and time your outings for early morning or late evening. If you must travel, keep valuables sealed in waterproof bags.
Is Songkran suitable for children?
Yes, but pick calmer areas and use gentle water play. Avoid high-pressure hoses near children, protect their eyes and ears, and keep them hydrated and shaded. Many families enjoy temple ceremonies and neighbourhood celebrations rather than the big street parties.
What if I do not like crowds?
Consider smaller towns, quieter islands or a temple-focused trip. You can also visit Thailand just before or after Songkran and avoid the busiest days.
Is it safe to drink alcohol during Songkran?
Alcohol is part of many street parties, but heat, crowds and wet surfaces increase risk. Drink in moderation, never drive or ride after drinking, and stay with friends.
How should I get around?
Use taxis, ride-hailing apps, trains or buses, and allow extra time. Roads can be congested and wet, and some services reduce hours during the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Songkran 2027?
The official dates are April 13 to 15, 2027, though some cities extend celebrations for longer.
Where is the best place to celebrate Songkran?
Chiang Mai is the most famous, Bangkok offers large street parties and quieter traditional neighbourhoods, and beach cities like Phuket offer water fights with seaside relaxation.
Can tourists join the water fights?
Yes, but be polite. Avoid splashing monks, elders, babies and workers, and respect no-water zones.
Is Songkran safe for tourists?
It is generally safe if you take precautions, particularly about road safety, valuables and heat.
What should I wear during Songkran?
Quick-dry, modest clothing, waterproof protection for your phone and shoes that can get wet.
Do shops close during Songkran?
Many do for part of the holiday, so plan meals and shopping ahead.
