Thailand in April - Thai New Year or Songkran

Imagine this opportunity - you are given the right to party like little children, pouring water on everyone around you, including the police. Can you imagine that? Want to try it? Pack your bags. You have to go to Thailand for the annual New Year celebration or Songkran Festival. In mid-April, people armed with whatever water they can find take to the streets of Thailand's cities and towns to have fun.

Contents of this article

When to celebrate New Year's Eve in Thailand.

Songkran Festival is the traditional New Year's Eve in Thailand.

In Buddhist countries, including Thailand, New Year's Eve has traditionally been tied to the astrological calendar and celebrated on the day the sun enters the constellation of Aries - in mid-April. The name 'Songkran' comes from a Sanskrit word meaning 'transition' or 'change', symbolising the beginning of a new year.

Until 1941, the New Year in Thailand began on the day of Songkran.

In 1941, the Thai government issued a decree and the whole country began to count the beginning of the year on the first of January, like most of the world. But the traditional Songkran holiday remains, marking the end of the dry season.

Why you should visit Thailand in mid-April

April marks the transition from the dry season to the rainy season and is also the hottest month in Thailand. However, mid-April is a special time because of the Songkran festival, celebrated from April 13 to 15.

During Songkran, people of all ages take to the streets armed with water pistols, buckets, and hoses, joyfully splashing water on each other. This nationwide water fight is a key part of the festival, turning the holiday into a lively and refreshing celebration.

Tip: If you plan to go shopping or sightseeing, consider doing so before or after Songkran, as many businesses may be closed, and the streets will be filled with water battles.

Songkran Festival traditions: why water plays a key role

Water is a central part of Songkran, symbolizing purification and renewal. The festival is not just about playful water fights—it also includes important traditions and religious rituals.

Thais visit temples to pour water over Buddha statues, a practice believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Another meaningful custom is gently pouring water over the hands of elderly family members as a sign of respect and gratitude.

In tourist areas, Songkran takes on a more festive atmosphere, transforming into large-scale water battles with lively music, dancing, and endless fun.

Water fights on Thai New Year’s Eve (Songkran Festival)

Many locals and tourists load large barrels of water onto their vehicles, grab water pistols, and drive straight into the action.

Along the streets, barrels of water and water guns are ready for use, and it’s common to see people getting drenched by hoses. In some areas, even the fire brigade joins in, giving people a full shower with fire hoses.

Traffic slows down as no one is in a hurry - everyone is too busy splashing water on each other. Unless you’re inside a tightly sealed car, expect to get soaked!

If you’re driving a rental car during Songkran, make sure to keep your windows closed.

Even mopeds and their passengers become targets, though most of the time, water is thrown carefully. People who prefer to stay dry are usually respected. For example, families with small children in strollers can often walk through the streets without getting wet.

However, if you don’t want to be drenched, avoid the heart of the festivities, where water flows as freely as alcohol. And whatever you do—don’t pick up a water gun unless you’re ready to join the battle!

Few people actually try to stay dry. Many drivers even slow down near water-throwing crowds, eager to get splashed and return the favor. The most intense water fights happen near bars and restaurants, where the party atmosphere is at its peak.

Best places to celebrate Songkran Festival

Songkran is celebrated all across Thailand, but some cities are especially famous for their large-scale festivities:

• Chiang Mai – The most popular place for Songkran, with massive water fights throughout the Old City and along the moat.
• Bangkok – The capital turns into a giant water battlefield, especially on Khao San Road and Silom Road.
• Phuket – A lively beachside celebration with water fights, music, and parties in Patong.

How to protect your camera and phone from water

During Songkran, holding a camera won’t grant you any special privileges - you’ll still get soaked like everyone else! Expect to be sprayed in the face with water guns, doused with buckets of ice water, and caught in the middle of playful chaos. Even if wrapped in plastic, your camera can still get wet.

Tip: If you plan to bring a camera into the Songkran action, use a high-quality waterproof bag for protection.

It’s also crucial to safeguard your phone, money, and documents. Store them in waterproof pouches or sealed plastic bags to prevent damage.

Interestingly, a Thai policeman once gave me a unique tip - using a condom as a waterproof case for a mobile phone. It keeps the phone fully functional while providing 100% protection from water. A simple yet effective solution!

Stay safe during Songkran Festival

Water isn’t the only thing to watch out for during Songkran—the number of road accidents rises significantly during the festival. Be extra cautious when walking or traveling.

Tip: If possible, avoid driving and ensure you have travel insurance before your trip to Thailand.

In addition to water fights, another Songkran tradition involves smearing white or pink talcum powder on people’s faces while shouting, "Happy New Year!" The powder washes off easily, but if colored water is used, it may stain clothes.

While I’ve never personally encountered dyed water, it’s something to keep in mind when choosing your outfit for the festival!

What to wear for Songkran Festival

Since you’ll be getting drenched, it’s important to choose your outfit wisely:

• Avoid light-colored or thin fabrics - When wet, they can become almost transparent. Opt for thicker, colorful fabrics to stay comfortable and avoid unwanted attention.
• Skip jeans and tight pants - Once soaked, they become heavy, restrict movement, and can cause chafing.
• Go for practical clothing - Shorts and a T-shirt work best. For women, a swimsuit underneath or a T-shirt with a bold, dense print across the chest can add extra coverage.

Leading up to Songkran, many Thai shops sell not only water guns but also special, brightly colored festival clothing -perfect for joining the celebrations in style!

Far from just observing the chaos, Thai police and other authorities actively join in the fun! It’s not uncommon to see officers armed with water pistols, enthusiastically taking part in the water fights alongside everyone else.

During Songkran, the festival spirit takes over, and even the guardians of order embrace the playful atmosphere, making the celebrations even more enjoyable for locals and tourists alike.

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