Wild, Wet and Wonderful: Where to celebrate Songkran

Thailand’s Songkran Festival, a much-loved tradition marking the Thai New Year, will take on new significance in 2025.

Marking the country’s first Songkran celebration since the event was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Bangkok’s Sanam Luang hosts the Maha Songkran World Water Festival with playful water fights, cultural performances, and a series of live concerts and thrilling entertainment.

Near the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Road are being transformed into a festive playground from April 11-15.

The highlight will be the Songkran procession on April 12, set to begin at 5pm from the Democracy Monument. The colourful parade will move along Ratchadamnoen Avenue to Sanam Luang, featuring eight stunning displays showcasing Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.

Eight colourful processions light up Bangkok’s Songkran parade on April 12.//Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Among them is the Procession of Siamese Festivities and Grace, which brings the traditional temple fair vibe to the streets.

This festive procession celebrates joy, play, and quintessential Thai entertainment, blending performing arts and folk games that reflect the ingenuity and creativity of the Thai people.

Beyond the cultural procession, the Songkran Pavilion of Five Regions offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the unique traditions of different parts of the country.

Local artists light up Sanam Luang with performances, set against the glowing backdrop of the Grand Palace.//Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand

For those seeking high-energy festivities, the EDM water festival promises non-stop music and fun with an amazing light show featuring 1,200 drones lighting up the night sky against the glowing backdrop of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace.

Live concerts from popular Thai artists promise to add to the electric atmosphere, while traditional merit-making activities, sand pagoda building, and a Thai street food market will delight festival-goers.

Playful contests and cultural performances bring festive cheer to Sanam Luang during Songkran celebrations.//Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Beyond Sanam Luang, the Songkran spirit extends to iconic spots along the Chao Phraya River.

Between 9am and 6pm daily, 12 historic and lifestyle riverfronts along the Chao Phraya River (such as Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Khlong Ong Ang, Chinatown, and Asiatique) host traditional performances, riverside rituals, and water festivities.

To enjoy the water fest along the Chao Phraya River, visitors and festival-goers can take advantage of free boat shuttles from the nearest pier to another.

Where to find the best water battles

For those looking for the wildest water fights, Khao San Road, Silom, and Siam Square are the epicentres of Songkran chaos.

From April 13-15, Khao San Road—famed for its backpacker culture—becomes a street party in full swing, attracting locals, tourists, and expats alike

Expect a water fight that covers the entire street, with everyone getting drenched in the most spirited and playful way possible. If you’re seeking a more urban yet thrilling atmosphere, Silom is the place to be.

With its bustling financial district backdrop, the area will feature an electrifying blend of family-friendly fun and party energy, with vibrant street stalls and lively water activities.

Siam Square, at the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district, adds a playful twist to the celebrations with the “Songkran Siam Pha Khao Ma” festival.

Here, the streets are transformed into a massive splash zone, offering a family-friendly mix of playful games, cultural fun, and a live music scene. Expect to see and hear everything from Thai pop to country sounds and upbeat “mor lam” performed by local bands and college students, creating an eclectic soundtrack to the water-drenched festivities.

Songkran Beyond Bangkok

While Bangkok’s Songkran celebrations promise plenty of fun, the festival spreads enjoyment across the entire country.

In Ayutthaya, painted elephants join playful water fights, delighting crowds in a unique Songkran tradition.//Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand

In Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital, elephants are the stars of the show. From April 13-15, these majestic animals, adorned in colourful paint and armed with huge buckets of water, will spray water from their trunks in an epic tug-of-war with the crowds, blending cultural tradition with playful water fights.

Sangkhla Buri, in Kanchanaburi, celebrates the Mon Songkran Festival from April 13-18. This festival offers a glimpse into the Mon people’s unique traditions, with highlights including the Bamboo Water-Pouring Ceremony, sand pagoda building, and lively cultural parades.

The festival is a rare opportunity to experience the deep cultural heritage while enjoying the fun-filled water festivities.

Pattaya’s Wan Lai Songkran, held on April 19, extends the festival into a lively mix of water play, concerts, beach parties, and traditional rituals.

Expect grand parades, sand pagoda building, and cultural performances, alongside lively celebrations along Beach Road.

In Chiang Mai, Songkran takes on a deeper cultural significance. The city’s celebrations extend beyond April 15, with water splashing around its ancient moat creating a lively atmosphere.

Chiang Mai’s Songkran procession on April 13 features Lanna costumes and cultural performances from Wat Phra Singh to Tha Pae Gate.

Traditional ceremonies, such as bathing Buddha statues and giving alms to monks, reflect the city’s Lanna heritage. The Songkran procession on April 13, which travels from Wat Phra Singh to Tha Pae Gate, showcases dazzling Lanna costumes and captivating cultural performances, making Chiang Mai a top destination for those seeking a mix of joy and reverence.

Flower Power and Songkran Traditions in Loei

In the northeastern province of Loei, the "Flower Procession" is a highlight of the Songkran celebrations. For over 400 years, locals have crafted elaborate floral offerings to present at Wat

Loei’s 400-year-old Flower Procession marks the traditional new year with ornate floral trees the highlight of the parade to Wat Sri Phonchai.//Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Sri Phonchai. The procession features magnificent flower trees adorned with intricate floral designs, carried by the community as they make their way to the temple in a beautiful display of reverence and celebration.

Southern Splashes and Cultural Fun

In southern Thailand, Hat Yai is one of the best places to be for Songkran experiences, with massive street water fights, night concerts, and a mix of Thai and Malaysian visitors.

For a beach party vibe, head to Patong Beach in Phuket, where foam parties and DJs will keep the festivities rocking and spinning into the night.

For a more cultural experience, Nakhon Si Thammarat offers temple rituals, sand pagoda building, and local traditions, giving visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the region’s heritage.

Thailand’s Songkran Festival 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration, with water fights, cultural performances, and traditional rituals lighting up cities across the country.

Whether you're in Bangkok or exploring the provinces, Thai New Year offers a promising opportunity to experience Thailand’s unique blend of joy, spirituality, and cultural heritage.