Everything you need to know about Songkran 2025

As April brings the summer heat, Thai people gear up for their biggest festival of the year.

Known as world’s most famous water festival, Songkran is also the Thai New Year according to the Thai calendar. Celebrated from April 13-15 each year, this festival fills the streets of Thailand with joyful water fights, cultural events and good-natured revelry. Locals and tourists alike join the fun, transforming every corner into a lively battleground of water warriors.

What is Songkran?

Songkran is a centuries-old festival rooted in Buddhist traditions. Originally, people poured water to wash away sins from the past year and welcome good luck for the upcoming one.

Today, it has evolved into a vibrant water festival celebrated across Southeast Asia. The festivities are marked by street parties, traditional ceremonies, parades, music, dancing and epic water fights. The festival participants take to the streets armed with water guns, buckets or hoses, drenching each other in good-natured fun.

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Best cities to celebrate Songkran in Thailand

While Songkran is celebrated nationwide, certain cities in Thailand are particularly famous for their unique Thai New Year festivities. Here are the top Songkran destinations:

Bangkok

Thailand's capital city lights up during Songkran with major street parties on Khao San Road and Silom Road. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with water fights, music, dancing and traditional ceremonies at temples. Bangkok is one of the best cities for Songkran celebrations.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai hosts perhaps the most spectacular Songkran experience in Thailand. The ancient moat surrounding the old city provides an endless water source for epic water fights. Cultural highlights include the grand parade with Buddha images, beauty contests and traditional performances. Chiang Mai is a must-visit Songkran city.

Pattaya

This seaside city extends the Thai New Year celebration with a unique water festival following the official Songkran dates. Pattaya's Wan Lai festival keeps the party going with beach road water fights, foam parties and concerts. It's the place to be for a longer Songkran holiday.

Khon Kaen

The biggest city in Isaan is known for its fantastic Songkran water fights on Khao Niew Road. Enjoy cultural activities too like the parade, monk alms giving, folk music and more. Khon Kaen provides a wonderful mix of tradition and water play fun.

Phuket

Thailand's largest island combines the traditional with the modern, making it a perfect Songkran destination. Patong Beach hosts lively water fights while Phuket Town has cultural ceremonies. Experience the best of both worlds for Thai New Year in Phuket.

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Where to join Songkran water fight in Phuket

Phuket is one of the best cities in Thailand to experience Songkran, combining traditional festivities with modern beach parties. Here are the top areas to join water fight in Phuket;

Patong Beach

The heart of Songkran action in Phuket, Patong Beach and Bangla Road come alive with massive water fights, foam parties, and music. Bangla Walking Street is closed for traffic and transformed into a lively pedestrian zone filled with revellers armed with water guns. Popular venues like Bangla Boxing Stadium, Seduction Nightclub, and Tiger Disco join in the water-soaked celebration. And don't miss the epic water battle in front of Jungceylon and Central Mall just right next to Bangla.

Phuket Town

For a more cultural Songkran experience, head to the historic Phuket Old Town. Enjoy street food and local delicacies at the special Songkran markets. Thalang Road hosts a retro-themed celebration with classic cars, live music and old-fashioned water play. Phuket Town is the place to appreciate the heritage of Songkran.

Kata and Karon Beach

These popular west coast beaches offer a more laid-back, family-friendly Songkran vibe, but still with plenty of water play fun. The main roads through Kata and Karon turn into water fight zones with locals and tourists joyfully splashing each other. Many beachfront bars and restaurants host their own Songkran parties. It's a great option for those seeking a more relaxed Songkran atmosphere.

Soi Ta-iad, Chalong

Known as Phuket's fitness street, Soi Ta-iad in Chalong is lined with gyms and Muay Thai training camps. During Songkran, it transforms into a unique water fight location popular with young locals, expats and tourists into health and fitness. Gym members and trainers gather in front of their facilities to splash water and celebrate. The energy is high and the water battles are endless. It's an off-the-beaten-path Songkran experience.

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Songkran tips for 2025

Respect cultural traditions

While Songkran is known for its boisterous water fights, it's important to remember the festival's cultural and religious significance. When visiting temples to make merit or witness ceremonies, dress modestly in clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings. Refrain from splashing water inside temple grounds or at monks and elderly people. Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Use public transportation or join Songkran tour

Many roads in Thailand’s cities become congested during Songkran due to water fight-induced traffic jams and road closures.

Avoid the hassle of navigating these wet and wild streets by using public transportation. Better yet, join an organized Songkran tour that includes transportation to the best water fight spots and local insights from experienced guides.

Enjoy the local Songkran Delicacies

Songkran is not just about water play, it's also a time to enjoy traditional Thai dishes and snacks. This is a chance to eat Thai street food like locals.

Try meatball skewers BBQ skewers with sticky rice. Don't forget the famous Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice which are also perfect for grab and go.

What to wear for Songkran Festival

During Songkran, getting soaked is part of fun. Look for the lightweight, quick drying clothing like board shorts, tank tops and flip-flops as you’ll likely get soaked during water fights. Avoid heavy fabrics like denim that will weigh you down when wet.

Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and glasses for added protection. And don't forget to bring a waterproof bag to keep your essentials dry while you join in the water battles.

Songkran Festival Safety tips

With the excitement of Songkran, it's easy to forget basic safety and self-care. Here are some essential tips to stay safe while having a blast.

• Leave valuables like expensive electronics, jewelry, and important documents safely stored at the hotel. Only carry essentials in a waterproof bag or pouch.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water between water fights. Pace yourself and take breaks in the shade, as the festivities can last for days.
• Be cautious of slippery surfaces and uneven roads when running around. Look out for your friends and fellow revelers.
• Apply sunscreen regularly and wear a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong Thai sun.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to fully immerse yourself in the joy and excitement of Songkran Festival. Embrace the wet and wild experience while staying safe, respecting local traditions, and creating unforgettable memories.

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Songkran Tour in Phuket

Cassia Phuket’s Songkran Wet Wheel Tour 2025

Send enquiry for Songkran Wet Wheel Tour on 13 April 2025 here

After previous year’s sold-out success, Cassia Phuket’s Songkran Wet Wheel Tour is back bigger, wetter and wilder!

Why this Tour?

Forget the hassle of traffic and safety. This Songkran Tour takes you to Phuket’s best water fight hotspots, including Soi Ta-iad and Bangla street in Patong. All this while cruising in traditional Po-Thong truck, an authentic symbol of Phuket's local charm, offers an experience that connects you to the vibrant culture of the island.

Program Details

Date: Sunday, 13th April 2025

Time: 11:00 - 20:00 hrs.

Routes

• Start at Cassia Phuket, Bangtao Beach
• Water fights on the Po-Thong Truck along way to Phuket Town
• Water Refill stop and toilet break at Phuket Town
• Massive water battles at Soi Ta-Eiad, Chalong
• Water Refill stop and toilet break at Kata/Karon
• Epic water battles at Patong
• Return to Cassia Phuket for Foam Party

The Grand Finale “Foam Party at Cassia Phuket”

The tour wraps up with the exciting Get Wet Foam Party at Cassia Phuket. It will have live DJs, fun entertainment and Songkran Food Fest. Exclusive perks for tour participants, including free alcoholic buckets and BBQ buffet tickets for group bookings.

Inclusions

• High-pressure water guns and unlimited water refills for endless fun.
• Full-trip insurance, towel service, photography coverage and bilingual guides to ensure a hassle-free adventure.
• Eye protection gear and water-resistant pouches to keep your essentials safe.

Price

THB3,000 net per Adult

THB1,500 net per Kid (7-11 years old)

Special Perks

• Book 2 tickets or more – Get a free alcoholic bucket per person at Foam Party.

• Book 4 tickets or more. You will receive a bucket and a free ticket to Local Mookata BBQ Buffet at Cassia Phuket!

  
  Send enquiry for Songkran Wet Wheel Tour on 13 April 2025 here

Limited Availability – Book Now

With only 60 seats available, this tour sells out fast!

Secure your spot for the ultimate Songkran experience. Send enquiry for Songkran Wet Wheel Tour on 13 April 2025 here

Check our Songkran Room offer with 30% discount with breakfast and free perks click here