Let's dive into the wettest and most fun festival in Thailand, Songkran!
When? 13-15 April every year
What is it, really?
- The traditional Thai New Year
- Also known as "the biggest water festival in the world"
Why is it special?
- Symbolises the renewal of nature and the purification of the soul
- A chance for Thais to visit family and honour their elders
What do you do?
- Huge water fights in the streets!
- Smearing talcum powder on faces as a blessing
- Building sand pagodas at temples
- Purifying Buddha statues with scented water
- Colourful processions and cultural performances
Where is it best?
- Bangkok: Khao San Road is the centre of the parties
- Chiang Mai: more traditional celebrations
- The Thai islands: beach parties not to be missed
Tips for travellers:
- Bring a change of clothes and a waterproof bag
- Protect your phone – buy a waterproof case!
- Respect temples and elders — do not splash water on them
- Drink plenty of water (not just splash it
)
A question for the community: which of you has experienced Songkran? Where were you and how was it? Share experiences and tips!
Planning a trip for the next Songkran? I would be happy to help plan the perfect route!
Being in it or next to it
These are two different holidays. Anyone who comes for the celebration wants to be in the street — at the hotspots listed above. Anyone who comes for a quiet beach will not enjoy getting soaked on the way to breakfast.
Both options are possible on the same trip, if you build the order of destinations correctly: a day or two in the thick of the celebration, and then moving on to a calmer destination.
What it does to the logistics
This is a time when many Thais travel to visit family, and traffic on the roads and on domestic transport is heavier than usual.
The practical meaning: transfers, domestic flights and accommodation are worth booking early, and not leaving for the days before.
What to put in your bag
Beyond the list above — a change of clothes, a waterproof bag and a phone case — it is worth thinking about what you take with you at all on those days. Documents, tickets and a camera are better left at the hotel.
Respect for the place
Songkran is the traditional New Year and not just a water fight. The rule mentioned above — do not splash monks, elders or inside temples — is the difference between taking part and getting in the way.
Thailand in pictures
Want us to put it together for you?
Tell us when you plan to fly, with whom, and how much time you have, and we will come back with an itinerary, hotels and attractions that fit exactly that — in Hebrew.