A Beginner’s Guide to Songkran

With Songkran just round the corner, there’s no better time to provide an overview of this famous Thai festival — a time of lively celebration, family get-togethers, and copious amounts of water. So whether you’re planning your first Songkran experience or you just want to understand the goings-on a bit better, here’s your essential Songkran guide to having fun and keeping safe over the holiday.

A Brief History of the Songkran Festival

Songkran is the traditional new year in Thailand and is celebrated from April 13 to 15. Historically, it was a time to pay respect to elders, make merit at temples, and symbolically wash away bad luck by sprinkling water. Over time, the gentle water rituals gradually transformed into the lively large-scale water fights that are a big part of the festival today. Nevertheless, Songkran remains rooted in the themes of respect, renewal, and family.

How Long Songkran Lasts and the Activities That Take Place

Officially, Songkran is a three-day festival from April 13 to 15. However, the celebrations can often stretch over a whole entire week, especially in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya.

Activities you can expect during Songkran include:

• Massive water fights in the streets — everyone is fair game!
• Temple visits to make merit and participate in water-pouring ceremonies on Buddha images.
• Family gatherings honoring elders, during which scented water is poured over their hands.
• Cultural shows and parades featuring traditional Thai music and dance.
• Sand pagoda building at local temples, a symbolic gesture to bring good fortune.

What to Wear (And What Not to Wear) During Songkran

When choosing your outfit, think comfortable, quick-drying, and respectful. Here’s a quick guide:

✅ Wear:

• Light, breathable clothing, like T-shirts and shorts.
• Clothes you don’t mind getting soaked and possibly stained.
• Waterproof bags for your valuables (phones and wallets, for example).
• Non-slip footwear — flip-flops with grip or waterproof sandals are ideal.

❌ Avoid:

• White or sheer clothing — when wet, these can become see-through.
• Heavy fabrics like denim that stay wet for hours.
• Expensive clothing or accessories that could get ruined.
• Provocative attire. Songkran may well be a time of fun, but dressing respectfully and modestly is important.

What to Do (And What Not to Do) During Songkran

✅ Do:

• Smile and participate — Songkran is all about fun and goodwill.
• Respect the traditional parts of Songkran, like temple ceremonies and elder blessings.
• Protect your electronics — invest in a good waterproof pouch.
• Be considerate of others, especially monks, elderly people, and those not participating.

❌ Don’t:

• Splash the elderly, monks, or babies.
• Throw water at moving vehicles — it can cause accidents.
• Use dirty or iced water — it can be dangerous.
• Drink alcohol on the streets — many cities have strict rules about public drinking during Songkran.

What to Expect During Songkran

Expect to get absolutely drenched — multiple times a day. Streets, alleys, and pavements often turn into splash zones. Pickup trucks drive by with giant water barrels in the back, and strangers will spray you with water guns, buckets, or hoses.

You’ll also encounter special cultural events, like beauty pageants, traditional performances, and food markets offering delicious seasonal treats, like mango sticky rice.

If you’re planning to travel during Songkran, anticipate heavy traffic, booked-out hotels, and some business closures, particularly local shops and smaller restaurants.

Safety Tips for Songkran

• Stay hydrated: Playing outside in the heat all day can be exhausting.
• Use waterproof protection: For your phone, wallet, and important documents.
• Apply sunscreen: Thailand can become extremely hot in April.
• Be cautious on the roads: The Songkran period sees a significant jump in the number of road accidents in Thailand.
• Respect the local culture: Remember that Songkran is more than just a water fight; it’s a revered tradition.