Songkran, everything you need to know about Thailand’s famous new year water fight

Songkran is one of Thailand’s biggest celebrations and more than half a million tourists join the water fights. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of the event, what not to do, and other activities if you prefer to stay dry

Reading Time:3 minutes

Foreign tourists spray an elephant with water guns as it spouts water during the Songkran festival to mark the Thai new year along the Khao San Road in Bangkok. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:17am, 28 Mar 2018Updated: 8:17am, 28 Mar 2018

Cheers roar through the air as the packed crowds hurl water at one another. People in vehicles pour buckets of water over the masses, business owners aim hoses at the crowds and fun seekers fire giant fluorescent water guns at each other.

Songkran is a family affair. Photo: Alamy

This is a common sight across Thailand for the annual Songkran celebration, which is dubbed the ultimate water fight and this year takes place from April 12 to 16. As one of the country’s largest celebrations, the public holiday has become Thailand’s busiest time, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists.

“The annual Songkran festival marks the Thai new year and the whole country will be celebrating days off work, time with family, trips to the temple, partying and water fights,” says Christian Sutton, product and contracting director at Diethelm Travel Thailand.

Celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Aliaksandr Mazurkevich

Where to celebrate

In Bangkok foreigners flock to popular backpacker haunt Khao San Road and tourist hotspot Silom Road.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x