Thailand’s most famous festival, Songkran, marks the traditional Thai New Year with a splash—literally! This vibrant water festival transforms the country’s streets into the world’s biggest water fight, but there’s so much more to this cultural celebration than just getting soaked. Whether you’re planning your first Songkran adventure or looking to experience this beloved holiday like a local, here’s your ultimate bucket list for Thailand’s most joyous celebration.
1. Join the World’s Biggest Water Fight
No Songkran experience is complete without participating in the iconic water battles that take over Thailand’s streets. Arm yourself with a water gun, bucket, or water hose and prepare to get drenched! The water symbolizes cleansing and renewal, washing away the previous year’s misfortunes and starting fresh.
Local Tip: Wear quick-dry clothing and keep your valuables in waterproof bags. Many locals and seasoned travelers wear colorful Hawaiian shirts known as “Songkran shirts” that are both festive and practical for water activities.
2. Visit a Temple for Merit-Making
Before the water festivities begin, many Thais start their Songkran by visiting local temples (wats) for traditional merit-making ceremonies. Wake up early and observe or participate in these beautiful rituals that include offering food to monks, praying, and making donations.
In Bangkok, Wat Pho and Wat Arun are magnificent temples to visit, while Chiang Mai’s Wat Phra Singh or Phuket’s Wat Chalong offer equally meaningful experiences outside the capital.
3. Perform the Rod Nam Dam Hua Ceremony
One of the most meaningful traditions of Songkran is the Rod Nam Dam Hua ceremony, where younger people pour scented water over the palms of elders as a sign of respect and to ask for their blessings. The water is infused with fragrant herbs and sometimes mixed with petals.
Participating in this ceremony provides a deeper cultural connection to the holiday beyond the water fights and demonstrates respect for Thai traditions and family values.
4. Build a Sand Pagoda
Along riverbanks and at temples throughout Thailand, you’ll find people building intricate sand pagodas (chedi sai) during Songkran. This tradition stems from the belief that throughout the year, visitors inadvertently carry away temple sand on their feet, so Songkran is the time to return sand to the temples.
Creating your own sand pagoda is both a meditative activity and a way to make merit. Decorate your creation with colorful flags, flowers, and incense for an authentic experience.
5. Experience Regional Celebrations
While Songkran is celebrated nationwide, each region has its own unique traditions:
- Chiang Mai holds the most famous Songkran celebration, lasting up to six days with elaborate parades, cultural performances, and the Miss Songkran beauty pageant.
- Ayutthaya features elephant water fights and historical reenactments around ancient temple ruins.
- Bangkok’s Khao San Road becomes party central with international tourists, while Silom Road hosts massive water fights.
- Pattaya offers a more raucous celebration with its “wan lai” (flowing day) taking place a week after the official Songkran dates.
6. Taste Seasonal Songkran Dishes
Songkran is as much about food as it is about water! Treat your taste buds to special dishes prepared only during this festive time:
- Khao Chae: Jasmine rice soaked in flower-scented cool water, served with various side dishes like sweet-fried pork, stuffed peppers, and shredded sweetened fish.
- Nam Prik Kapi: A spicy shrimp paste dip served with fresh vegetables.
- Pad Thai Songkran: A special version of the famous noodle dish with additional seasonal herbs.
- Khanom Tom: Coconut balls made of glutinous rice flour, filled with palm sugar, and rolled in fresh coconut shreds.
7. Wear Traditional Thai Clothing
Embrace the full cultural experience by wearing traditional Thai clothing during the festivities. Many Thais don colorful floral shirts or traditional outfits like the chut thai (Thai national costume).
For women, the pha sin (wrap-around skirt) paired with a fitted silk blouse creates an elegant look, while men can wear loose cotton pants and shirts. Many places rent these outfits if you don’t want to purchase them.
8. Apply Thanaka Paste and Flower Garlands
During Songkran, you’ll notice many people with white or yellow paste on their faces. This is thanaka, a natural sunscreen made from ground bark that protects from both the sun and water. It’s often applied in decorative patterns and has become a festival staple.
Additionally, wearing phuang malai (flower garlands) or carrying fresh jasmine brings good fortune. These fragrant accessories can be purchased from street vendors throughout the festival.
9. Attend a Songkran Parade
Many cities host elaborate Songkran parades featuring traditional music, dancing, and beautifully decorated floats. In Chiang Mai, the parade includes the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image being carried through the streets for people to pay respects and pour water over.
These parades showcase Thailand’s rich cultural heritage with dancers in traditional costumes, musicians playing folk instruments, and community groups representing local traditions.
10. End the Day with Sky Lanterns and Nighttime Celebrations
As the sun sets on your Songkran adventures, join locals in releasing khom loi (sky lanterns) into the night sky, especially in northern Thailand. Each floating lantern carries away bad luck and represents new beginnings.
Many cities also host evening concerts, cultural performances, and light shows that continue the celebratory atmosphere into the night. In tourist areas, beach parties and special events keep the festivities going until the early morning hours.
Songkran Etiquette: Celebrating Respectfully
While Songkran is a time of joy and playfulness, remembering some basic etiquette ensures everyone has a positive experience:
- Avoid splashing monks, babies, elderly people, or motorcyclists
- Don’t aim water guns at people’s faces or use ice water
- Dress modestly despite the water activities
- Ask before applying powder or paste to someone’s face
- Respect those who may not want to participate
By embracing both the fun water fights and the meaningful cultural traditions, your Songkran experience will be unforgettable. This ancient celebration of renewal and community represents the best of Thailand’s warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage.
Whether you’re washing away the old year in a water fight, building sand pagodas with new friends, or savoring special Songkran delicacies, this Thai New Year celebration offers experiences that will stay with you long after the water dries.
Happy Songkran! Sawasdee Pee Mai!
