Songkran is the Thai New Year and one of the most important festivals in Thailand. It usually lasts for a week, marking the end of the dry season. Songkran Festival Thailand is popularly known as the water festival, which signifies welcoming the New Year with prayers and blessings. 

Know The History Of Songkran Festival 2025

Origin of the Songkran Festival: Songkran is a Thai word derived from Sanskrit, which means ‘to move’ or ‘movement.’ It signifies the movement of the sun from one zodiac [Pisces] to another zodiac [Aries]. The festival is believed to have originated in India & over time, spread to Southeast Asia. Songkran Festival in Thailand is a mix of Buddhist & local traditions.

Traditional Custom & Rituals: The most common ritual you will see is people splashing water with water guns, buckets, & hoses at each other. Next is the ‘Rod Nam Dam Hua’ ritual, where younger people pour scented water over elder hands as respect & blessings for the upcoming year.

Why Is Water Used In Thailand Songkran Festival? The water is meant to wash away all previous year's misfortunes.

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When & Where Will The Songkran Festival 2025 Held?

Dates: This year, the Songkran Festival Thailand will be celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of April. It is the national festival of Thailand & is celebrated throughout the country.

Locations: Some popular cities where you can find parades, celebrations, and large no. of people in water fights are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Ayutthaya. 

Popular Spots You Shouldn’t Miss: You can enjoy water fights at Silom Street, backpacker’s paradise water fight at Kaho San Road, & spend some time relaxing in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. For tourists in Chiang Mai, Old City has some amazing cultural shows & parades, and you can visit a temple at Doi Suthep to watch the ritual & for the stunning views.

From Phuket’s Patong Beach to Ayutthaya’s Wat Mahathat, you can enjoy the Songkran Water Festival throughout the nation.

How To Prepare For The Songkran Festival Thailand

What To Pack: Wear clothes that dry out quickly, comfortable footwear, or waterproof shoes. If you easily catch a cold, take a dry bag with some extra pair of clothes. It is best to prepare for waterproofing yourself in advance.

Some Safety Tips For Tourists For Songkran Festival: 

  • It is advisable to leave valuables at the hotel.
  • Avoid carrying too much cash.
  • Check before buying water splashing equipment as there are rules by the government on strength & size to avoid injuries.
  • Avoid throwing water on pregnant women, kids, the elderly, police, and people who are on duty.
  • Avoid going to areas with large crowds if you are with kids.

 

Understand Local Custom: Pay respect to local etiquette, like avoiding splashing water on monks, infants, & elderly. Always use clear water and avoid ice or ice water on people.

Activities & Celebration At Songkran Festival In Thailand

Water Fight: People splash & pour water at each other for fun. It is said to wash away all misfortunes of the last years & bring good luck.

Merit-Making Activities: Here, many people visit temples to make merit by offering food to monks, giving aims, and participating in religious ceremonies. It brings good karma and blessings.

Visiting Temple: People pour water over Buddha status & monks as a sign of respect & gratitude. Most Thai residents will clean their homes before the start of this New Year. Monks also perform special rituals in the temple.

Cultural Performances: You can watch cultural dances, music, & theater performances showing Thailand's heritage. These performances depict Thai folklore & history and represent the rich heritage of Thailand.

Events: Grant Songkran Parade is held in big cities like Bangkok & Chiang Mai. You can find decorated floats with cultural displays during the parade. Some local communities organize events such as traditional games, craft fairs, & food stalls.

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Recommended Transportation Tips If You Are Visiting Songkran Water Festival First Time

  • To navigate traffic smoothly, opt for public transportation like buses, trains, & even boats. This way you don’t have to worry about road traffic or parking problems.
  • If you have taken a car on rental, avoid driving during Songkran as most streets are going to be crowded.
  • We recommend booking hotels near the Songkran spots, such as near Khao San Road in Bangkok or Old City in Chiang Mai, to reduce travel time. It will also make it easy to go back & access your belongings in case you need them.
  • Bring a waterproof bag to carry items and avoid getting them wet.

 

Enjoy Beyond Water Fights With Songkran Music Festival Thailand

Explore Thai Culture: During the Songkran Festival in Thailand, many areas are set up as night markets with local delicacies, handmade crafts, and entertainment that you can enjoy.

Visit Local Temples: You can visit temples such as Wat Pho & Wat Arun in Bangkok, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, and Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya. Even if you are not at these locations, you can still visit a nearby Buddhist temple to seek blessings. 

Enjoy Sand Pagoda: Don’t forget about Sand Pagoda, i.e., ‘Chedi Sai.’ You can join local communities to build small sand mounds, shape them into pagodas, and decorate them with flowers, candles, and incense. Finally, place a Buddha statue. It is said to bring merit & good luck.

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Plan Your Unforgettable Thailand Songkran Festival Visit With TNG Holidays!

So, are you planning for the Songkran Festival 2025? Call us at +66 90245 1584 for a seamless travel experience. The Thai New Year Celebration will last long in your hearts & minds. Come and enjoy water splashes with merit & blessings for the year.