Songkran Festival 2024: A Toolkit for the Ultimate Water Fight in Bangkok

Songkran Festival: A Toolkit for the Ultimate Water Fight in Bangkok

Table of content:

Celebrations, Culture, and Preparation for Songkran Festival

Thailand lights up with joy and water every April for the Songkran Festival on April 13th to 15th. If you’re looking for the best time to visit Thailand, I think this is it!

The city turns into a giant party with water fights, which are super fun and a cool way to beat the heat. As a local born and raised in Bangkok, I participated in this festival since I was 7 years old.

Things to do during Songkran:

  • Join in the water fights: It’s the most fun part of the festival where everyone splashes water on each other.
  • Join Thai traditions: People pour water on Buddha statues and ask for blessings.
  • Enjoy the food and special concerts: There are concerts, dance shows, and lots of yummy Thai food to try.

Since Songkran is all about new beginnings, it’s a great time to see how people in Thailand come together to celebrate. Whether you’re soaking in the streets, taking part in temple rituals, or just enjoying the local vibes in the car, it will gives you a real taste of Thai culture.

So, if you’re planning a trip, don’t miss out on experiencing Songkran in Bangkok or other major cities. It’s not just a party; it’s a meaningful way to dive into the traditions and fun that make Thailand special.

Historical Bites of Songkran Festival

Songkran Festival, happening on April 13th every year, is a big deal in Thailand, celebrating the Thai New Year. The name “Songkran” comes from a word that means “moving” or “changing,” which is about the sun moving to a new zodiac sign. It’s a special time when people believe the new year starts, and especially when the sun goes into Aries.

Back in the day, Songkran was the start of the new year in Thailand, right after the harvest season. Therefore, people would take this time to relax, have fun, and splash water on each other to cool off from the hot April weather.

Now, UNESCO registered Thai Songkran festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023, highlighting its global cultural significance.


What to expect from joining Songkran water festival?

Nowadays, Songkran has turned into a big water festival where everyone throws water on each other, symbolizing a fresh start for the new year. It’s also a time to show respect to older people, and spend time with family.

1. Water Flights

The heart of the festival is the water fights. People everywhere, from kids to adults, will carry water guns, buckets, and hoses, ready to drench each other in good spirit. Therefore, please embrace the fun and be ready to get wet!

Don’t be surprised if, alongside the water, you find yourself gently smeared with a white powdery paste.

2. Music and Live Entertainment

Many big brands take advantage of the festival’s popularity by setting up stages for live music. You can expect to see artists performing right in the middle of the action. These concerts add to the festive atmosphere, making Songkran an even more exciting event to be part of.

3. Crowded Streets

The streets can get very crowded. Expect lots of pushing and shoving in the most popular areas, as everyone wants to join in on the fun.

It’s a lively atmosphere, but it’s important to stay alert and keep your belongings secure.

What’s special this year?

In 2024, the Thai government are hosting the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024, aiming to elevate Songkran into a globally recognized festival.

Scheduled for April 11-15, the event will feature grand Songkran parades reflecting Thai culture’s vibrancy and Soft Power. It’s centered around Ratchadamnoen Road and Sanam Luang area.

Activities will include cultural performances, traditional food, and showcasing Thai innovations and creativity across various fields.


Where can I join Songkran Festival?

You can celebrate Songkran practically anywhere along the streets, where people are always ready to splash water.

However, for a more intense and organized celebration, the recommended places in Bangkok this year of 2024 include:

Maha Songkran World Water Festival
11-15 April 2024
Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and Sanam Luang

Songkran Bazaar Music Festival
11-15 April 2024
The Bazaar Ratchadaphisek

Siam Songkran Music Festival
12-15 April 2024
RCA Central Park

Samyan Water Street
13-15 April 2024
Samyan-Buntudthong

S2O Songkran Music Festival
13-15 April 2024
Live Park Rama 9

Thai Rhythm Songkran Festival 2024
13 – 14 Apr 2024
centralwOrld

For other cities please visit: TAT News

How should I get to Songkran festival?

The festival take place in major roads and touristy place announced by the government. You can get there by…

  • BTS Sky Train
  • Tuktuk or Taxi (or walk when traffic get intense)

Preparation before joining Songkran

What to bring:

Songkran Water Gun
  1. Water gun: The larger water storage, the better it it. I bet you don’t want to refill the water too often!
  2. Waterproof bag: A transparent plastic bag for mobile phone protection.
  3. Protection glasses: Think of the safety glasses you wear in the school science lab. This is to safeguard your eyes from irritation caused by water.
  4. Sunscreen: To protect your skin from the sun.
  5. Water: Trust me, you’ll get thirsty very soon
  6. Cash: For purchasing food and drinking water.
  7. Hair-tie: Handy for keeping your hair out of the way.

What not to bring:

  • Avoid bringing valuable items like expensive watches and jewelry.
  • Sunglasses might get lost in the hustle, so they’re not recommended.

What to wear:

Flower-pattern Hawaii T-shirt for Songkran Festival
  • Traditionally flower-pattern Hawaii T-shirt
  • Wear shorts and a sleeveless top, ready to get wet

What not to wear:

  • Avoid white clothes as they can become see-through when wet
  • Avoid long pants and long sleeves
  • No fragile clothes like elephant pants, which might tear in crowded situations

Important Notes

  • Men should avoid applying powder to women they don’t know without consent, as it can be considered harassment.
  • Avoid grabbing or touching others inappropriately, even in crowded areas.
  • If someone seems unprepared or hesitant, stop spraying them. Respecting personal boundaries is essential, as failure to do so can lead to discomfort or injury, such as powder getting into someone’s eyes.
  • The emergency hotline is 1669. This number is available for immediate medical assistance.

Relaxing Activity After Songkran

If you feel wiped out after all that Songkran fun, my go-to for the day after is a chill Thai massage. You can even book a Wat Pho Massage to enjoy right in your hotel room. It’s the perfect way to bounce back!

Or get some tasty Thai snacks at the local supermarket with the curated list of best Thai Snacks.

Hope you have a lot of fun this Songkran!

Please share your Songkran experiences if you had been to one.

Also, don’t forget to share it with your friends to help them get prepared!

PS. If you need any help on planning your trip to Thailand, feel free to reach me at my Fiverr.


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