Celebrating the Songkran Festival in Bangkok

Immerse yourself in vibrant water-soaked Songkran revelry in Bangkok as we unveil the ultimate guide to the best places to enjoy the water festival for travellers.

Join us as we unveil the hottest spots and the secret gems where laughter and water collide to create memories that will last a lifetime. Dive into a travel experience like no other, where every splash tells a story and Songkran comes to life in the heart of Bangkok!

What is Songkran?

Songkran, the Thai New Year, is a joyous occasion marked by family reunions, temple visits, and spirited house cleaning. Beyond being a time for social gatherings, it holds cultural significance with the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the 1st day, celebrated as National Elderly Day. During this, the youth pour fragrant water into elders' palms, a symbol of humility seeking blessings.

Far more than a water-soaked revelry, Songkran is a tradition deeply rooted in symbolism. The lively water festivities signify the cleansing of misfortunes from the past year, offering a symbolic fresh start for the upcoming one. Originally a polite pouring of water on family and close friends, the celebration has evolved into a vibrant extravaganza with buckets, hoses, and water guns, uniting locals and tourists alike in the spirit of holiday merriment.

Best 8 Places To Enjoy The Songkran Festival In Bangkok

S20 Bangkok Songkran Festival

The 2024 S20 Songkran Festival in Bangkok takes the water festivities to a whole new level and brands itself as "the world's wettest party". Ditch the traditional water buckets and prepare to get drenched by the rhythm at the S2O Songkran Music Festival. From April 13th to 15th, Bangkok explodes with pulsating beats and world-class DJs. The dance floor becomes a water fight zone, where water cannons from the stage keep the adrenaline (and coolness) pumping all night long. So, let the infectious rhythm guide you through an unforgettable weekend.

Address: Rama IX Rd, Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310 (Map)

Silom Road

Silom Road transforms into a liquid playground during the Songkran festival. Traffic gives way to an epic three-day event, where the crowd welcomes you with a refreshing (and mischievous) deluge. Get ready for a tidal wave of smiles, laughter, and pure unapologetic fun, where young Thai locals and adventurous travellers in Bangkok become one giggling, splashy mess.

Address: Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 (Map)

Khao San Road

Khao San Road, a backpacker haven, undergoes a liquid metamorphosis into a lively battleground during the Songkran festival.

Exiting dry becomes a near impossibility, as revelers armed with water guns and buckets ensure a soaking welcome the moment you step in. Embrace the fun – retaliatory water fights are not only accepted but enthusiastically encouraged!

Address: Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 (Map)

Siam Songkran Music Festival

Amidst the scorching Songkran days in Bangkok, the heat takes a backseat as you groove to the infectious beats of the Siam Songkran Music Festival. Party in the water and soak in the atmosphere as you witness live performances by celebrated DJs like Martin Garrix and Tiesto.

Address: Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310 (Map)

Wat Pho and Wat Arun

Expressing gratitude for a safe conclusion to the past year and seeking blessings for the year ahead is a wonderful New Year tradition.

Thais frequently visit temples during Songkran to engage in merit-making, offer prayers, provide food to monks, and symbolically pour water on monks, elders, and Buddha statues as a gesture of respect, gratitude, and supplication for blessings. Feel welcome to visit nearby temples for this practice, or enjoy a Wat Pho and Wat Arun guided walking tour in Bangkok for a meaningful experience.

Address:Wat Pho: Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170 (Map)

Opening hours: Daily from 8.30am to 6.30pm

Wat Arun: Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600 (Map)

Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 6pm

Chatuchak Market

The typical hustle and bustle of Chatuchak Market undergoes a festive transformation during Songkran. Embraced by a downpour from squirt guns and overflowing buckets, the air resonates with playful shrieks as people chase each other through the alleys.

Amidst the lively chaos, even vendors join in, playfully sprinkling customers, a reminder that Songkran, amidst the cheerful splashes, signifies a celebration of renewal and good fortune.

Address: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 (Map)

Sanam Luang

Want to celebrate without getting soaked? No worries! Skip the water fights and head to Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace. Here, you can watch amazing FREE traditional Thai performances all day long. See cool shadow puppets, masked dancers, and even Muay Thai and Thai music shows. It's like a front-row seat to Thailand's coolest cultural treasures, all dry and comfy. So grab a snack, find a spot, and get ready to be wowed.

Address: Ratchadamnoen Ave, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 (Map)

Waterbomb Bangkok Festival

If you dream of dancing and getting soaked alongside stars like CL, Sunmi, and ZICO, your epic summer dream is coming true in Bangkok! Get ready for Waterbomb Bangkok Festival, bringing all the high-energy vibes of the famous Korean water festival right to Thailand. Imagine blasting tunes with your favourite artists while cannons shower you with cool water at the ultimate K-Pop party of the year.

Bangkok essentials to enjoy the Songkran Festival

BTS Skytrain Pass

Zipping around Bangkok like a local is the easiest on the super cool BTS Skytrain - a must during the chaos of festivals like the Songkran. The BTS Skytrain One-Day Pass is one of the best ways to get around this buzzing city, with trains whisking you straight to all the must-see spots and activities. Forget traffic jams and sweaty buses, hop on the BTS and explore with ease.

Bangkok Explorer Pass

Discover the finest of Bangkok with the Go City Explorer Pass! Select from an array of attraction passes, ranging from 3, 4, 5, 6, to 7 choices. Delight in your preferred Bangkok experiences with remarkable discounts of up to 50% compared to purchasing individual attraction tickets. With the Bangkok Explorer Pass, Bangkok's your oyster - go have all the fun you've planned.

Thailand eSIM

Ditch tiny SIM card swaps when you travel with a Thailand eSim Data Pack. Just grab a data plan straight to your phone, skip airport kiosks, and bam - access instant internet connectivity in Thailand.

Commonly Asked Questions

When is the Songkran Festival?

Songkran falls between April 13th and 15th, marking the Thai New Year and coinciding with the hottest time of the year.

Is the water in Bangkok safe to get splashed by while celebrating Songkran?

Bangkok tap water is generally safe to get splashed with. If you have sensitive skin, consider carrying necessary creams or measures for the same.

What should I wear during Songkran?

Loose, brightly coloured clothing is perfect for the festivities. Many locals wear flower garlands and traditional Thai clothing.

Should I bring my own water gun?

Feel free to bring your own water gun or squirt bottle, but avoid large hoses or aggressive water cannons. Remember, respect local customs and keep the fun playful.

Is it easy to get around Bangkok during Songkran?

Traffic gets very heavy, especially near water-throwing hotspots. Consider using public transportation like the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway for smoother travel.