Ready to jump into a water fight at Songkran 2025? The Songkran Water Festival, also known as the Thai New Year festival, is one of Thailand’s most exciting and colorful celebrations.
In 2025, like every year, it will bring people together for water fights, meaningful cultural rituals, and family gatherings. Whether you’re visiting Thailand for this date or watching it from afar, Songkran is an unforgettable experience. Let’s take a look at the traditions and details that make this festival one of the most thrilling new year celebrations in the world!
Picture by Mattia Faloretti on Unsplash
What is Songkran?
Songkran is the Thai New Year festival. It celebrates the sun moving into the Aries constellation, and that symbolizes renewal and the start of the new year. It also marks the end of the dry season and the start of the rainy season in Thailand.
The most renowned part of the celebration is water fights, where people splash water on each other in the streets to wash away bad luck from the previous year and begin their new year with clean energy. In fact, the water in this Thai celebration represents cleansing and getting rid of bad luck. During the festival, Thai people visit temples, spend time with family, and honor their elders. No doubt, Songkran is a special way to celebrate the new year.
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Takeaway, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Fascinating Origins of Songkran
Songkran festival has its origins in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The term itself comes from the Sanskrit word “saṃkrānti,” which means “to move” or “to pass into,” as seen in the stars.
It celebrated the arrival of the harvest season, and was also a time for cleaning and honoring ancestors. One unmistakably tradition was pouring water over Buddha statues to purify them, which later turned into the fun water fights we associate with Songkran today. In fact, the water is seen as a way to cleanse and get rid of bad luck.
Over time, Thai people combined native customs and beliefs with their culture to transform the celebration into the unique celebration we see now in Thailand. The global community recognizes Songkran today as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
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Cultural Significance of Songkran
Songkran is a time of deep cultural significance marked by family reunions and paying respect to elders. It involves rituals such as pouring scented water over Buddha statues and offering food to monks. These acts aim to bring good fortune and merit for those who do take part. In summary, Songkran festival focuses on community bonding, forgiveness, and honoring ancestors, making it an important part of Thai culture
When visiting the vibrant and colorful Songkran festival in Thailand, staying connected is essential to enjoy the festivities and share your experiences.
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UNESCO-Recognized Heritage: The Global Importance of Songkran
Songkran was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity because it’s an important part of Thai culture. Celebrated in mid-April, it marks the sun’s move into Aries and the start of the new year. Main traditions include pouring water over Buddha statues and family members to bring good luck.
UNESCO praised Songkran for promoting community bonds, unity, and respect for elders. It shows the diversity of traditions across Thailand and helps pass those traditions down through generations. By giving Songkran this honor, UNESCO wants to raise awareness of its cultural importance and encourage people to protect and celebrate this important tradition for the future.
When is Songkran 2025?
The Songkran festival will take place from April 13 to April 15, 2025. Some regions may choose to keep their festivities running after these dates.
Top Destinations For Songkran in Thailand
Bangkok: The Ultimate Urban Water Party
Bangkok is a top destination for Songkran celebrations.People across the city turn it into a massive water fight arena by shooting water guns and pouring buckets. Music festivals and temple tours take place in the main sites like Khao San Road and Silom Road. Many visitors choose Bangkok to take part in both music and food special events during the festival.
Chiang Mai: A Traditional Songkran Haven
Chiang Mai is another top location for Songkran celebrations. The festival runs from April 13 to 15, but festivities there may start earlier. During the festival a Buddha image procession moves through the city carrying decorated floats with traditional music and dance. Some participants take part in water battles near the Old City and Tha Phae Gate, while others may explore temples and join in cultural activities throughout the celebration.
Phuket: Songkran by the Sea
Phuket is the top choice destination to celebrate Songkran from April 13 to 15. Visitors and locals engage in friendly splashing on Patong Beach and Bangla Road at Phuket. Other cultural events to experience both fun and tradition include parades and temple visits. Phuket’s beaches make the celebration special.
Pattaya: A Week-Long Celebration
Pattaya celebrates a week-long Songkran from April 10 through 19 under the name “Wan Lai.” During the celebration, Beach Road turns into a real water battle destination. People take water guns and buckets to participate in friendly battles. Temples are the main spot for traditional rituals, offering visitors and locals a genuine and fun cultural experience.
Ayutthaya: A Historic Take on Songkran
You find unique Songkran traditions in Ayutthaya because of its unique historic past. Celebrations include water blessings at temples and even a parade with elephants splashing water on visitors. Attendees perform traditional rituals, such as pouring water over Buddha statues. This ancient city makes for a memorable destination during the festival.
Sukhothai: Where Songkran Meets Thai Heritage
Sukhothai celebrates Songkran with a focus on Thai heritage. The festival runs from April 13 to 15, featuring traditional rituals like pouring water over Buddha statues and honoring elders. Events take place at the Sukhothai Historical Park, where visitors can enjoy cultural performances and local food. The celebration highlights the city’s historical significance while embracing the fun of water fights and community gatherings.
Koh Samui: Island Bliss During Songkran
Koh Samui is a great destination for Songkran, celebrated from April 13 to 15. Visitors enjoy water battles at both Chaweng and Lamai Beaches, where locals and tourists splash water on each other. Traditional ceremonies include merit-making at temples and parades showcasing local culture. Visitors can enjoy beach parties and local cuisine, making it a fun place to experience the festival.
Hua Hin: A Sophisticated Songkran Experience
Hua Hin hosts its Songkran festival from April 12 to 14. The main events take place at Phone King Petch Park and Queen’s Park. Activities include offering alms to monks, pouring water over Buddha statues, and a parade along Naresdamri Road. The event includes live music acts with local performers plus cultural shows plus water games for everyone to enjoy. Making it a fun seaside experience.
Hat Yai: Southern Thailand’s Songkran Extravaganza
Hat Yai hosts a Songkran celebration from April 13 to 15 with events centered around water fights and cultural activities. The city attracts many tourists, especially from Malaysia. Key locations include Nipat Uthit 3 Road and Sanehanusorn Road. Visitors can join in traditional rituals and splash water with locals and fellow travelers.
Khon Kaen: Songkran in Thailand’s Northeast
The people of Khon Kaen celebrate Songkran from April 8 through 15. The festival schedule includes religious rituals such as merit-making ceremonies, bathing Buddha images, and a parade featuring cultural performances. Main activities happen on Khao Niew Road, where guests can enjoy water battles and taste local cuisine at this location. During this festival, this city becomes a hotspot for cultural events with exciting activities.
Family-Friendly Songkran: Where to Enjoy the Festival with Kids
Family-friendly activities during Songkran include water fights, temple visits, and cultural performances. Families can enjoy splashing water together in designated, kid-friendly areas. Children have the chance to take part in temple traditional rituals and receive spiritual blessings during temple visits. Local markets offer delicious Thai food, adding to the fun of celebrating this festival together.
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Quick Guide to Songkran Water Fight
Joining the Songkran festivities can be fun, but it’s important to keep your belongings and loved ones safe. Here are some tips:
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Keep Your Belongings Safe: Put your phone, wallet, and camera in waterproof pouches or Ziploc bags. It’s better to leave valuables at your hotel, but if you need to bring electronics, use a waterproof case.
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Dress Smart: Wear dark, quick-drying clothes and consider wearing swimwear underneath to stay comfortable and avoid dealing with soggy clothes.
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Stay Aware: Watch out for pickpockets during the festivities. Keep your belongings in front pockets or a visible bag. A crossbody bag or pouch is a good way to keep your stuff safe.
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Be respectful: Avoid splashing water on monks, babies, or pregnant women. Use clean water and respect people who don’t want to join in.
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Stay Safe: Don’t throw water at motorcyclists and watch out for drunk drivers. Celebrate responsibly and wrap up water fights by around 9 PM.
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Essential Packing List for Songkran
To enjoy Songkran, pack these essential items for a fun and safe experience:
- Water Gun: Bring your own water gun to join the fun. While vendors will have them available, it’s easier, and cheaper, if you come prepared.
- Waterproof Bag: Bring a waterproof bag to protect your phone, wallet, and other valuables from getting wet during the water fights.
- Quick-Dry Clothes: Wear clothes that dry quickly, like polyester or nylon, since you’ll be getting wet several times.
- Comfortable Shoes: Wear comfy shoes that can get wet, like water shoes or sandals, for walking and playing in the water.
- Ziploc Bags: Bring Ziploc bags to keep small items dry, or use pouches you can wear around your neck for easy access.
- Swimsuit: Put on a swimsuit under your clothes so you’re comfortable if you get wet.
- Cash: Bring cash for food and drinks at the festival, but make sure it stays dry.