Things you need to know about Thailandโs wet and wild
New Year Celebration โ Songkran!
Songkran is Thailandโs biggest and most famous festival. This water splashing festival marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word meaning โpassingโ or โapproachingโ.
It takes place in April every year, from the 13th to the 15th. If youโre visiting Thailand during this period, prepare to get wet and truly splashed! Crowds of people roam around throwing buckets of water, using water guns and just soaking anyone in the vicinity.
Whereโs the best place to celebrate Songkran?
ร If youโre ready and willing to get soaked for 3 days straight, Bangkok is the place to be.
ร Khaosan Road is guaranteed to have parties and crowded water fights. Siam and Central World are also primed for Songkran, with various pop stages showcasing dancing and live music. Silom Road is another hub, with LGBTQ friendly parties along Soi 4.
ร To see the more traditional side of the festival, head to the riverside temples such as Wat Pho (home to the spectacular gold-plated reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun, catch cultural performances in Lumpini Park or head north to the city of Chiang Mai.
ร Want sun, sea and sand while getting soaked? The beachside town of Pattaya extends its Songkran celebration for a week! Other popular beach destinations like Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phangan also join in the celebration.
If youโre planning a trip for Songkran in Thailand, hopefully this has given some insights and prepared you for what you can expect. Here I share with you my very own Songkran experience. Happy Water Splashing!
