17 MUST-READ Tips to Survive Songkran Festival in Thailand!

As my tour van pulled up at my hostel to drop me off, I cringed.

This was going to be trouble.

Outside in the sweltering Chiang Mai heat, a group of kids armed with buckets of dirty street water, scanned the perimeter. One kid pumped a water gun like his life depended on it. A hose snaked thru their bodies, wielded by the only girl in the group. She clenched the spraying tube like a treasured trophy she won fair & square – that no bigger kid, or boy, could take away.

As their eyes fixated on the swiftly approaching van, they grinned greedily from ear to ear.

The bus driver—eying the kids—met my gaze & laughed, Good luck miss! Kids love getting foreigners.

As I rose from the back of the van, the AC blasted down on me—a stark contrast to the intense temperature of Thailand in April. I had stopped bothering with makeup (or even showering in the morning) because within five seconds of stepping outside I would be sweating and filthy again. It was a lost cause.

Just as trying to avoid douses of water on Thai New Year was a lost cause.

There was no escaping the spraying, pails, or various other containers that were used as weapons of attack—no matter your age, ethnicity, or background. Everyone and anyone was fair game.

In a way, it was a great equalizer, bringing together people of all backgrounds for some good old fashion fun.

I inched toward the van doors – the kids practically licking their chops, ready on the offensive.

Pulling open the van door, I stepped down and within a split second of touching the ground was hit with two gallon-size buckets of water by cackling ten-year-old boys. Kicking into high gear, I sprinted for the hostel door, only to be trailed by the girl and her hose. If there was a dry spot on my body, she made sure to fix that.

As I reached the hostel entrance, I turned back just in time for an old man riding by on a motorbike to aim a squirt gun right in my face. Gotchahis eyes mimicked, as I gasped for air. I didn’t know if I was angry or amused. But before I could make a decision, the girl had caught up to me and I thought the ruthless little thing was going to spray me again, but instead she handed me a pail.

You play too!

And she pointed to the dumpster full of water, as the boys refilled their weapons for the next unsuspecting tourist.

What’s that phrase….if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em? Well that’s exactly what I did.

Welcome to Songkran!

As always, make sure you are traveling safely with TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE

Songkran 2020 is swiftly approaching, and though the festivities will be severely limited this year due to the covid19 global pandemic, I wanted to honor the festival by sharing my past experiences. Hopefully this post will inspire you plan to start planning your trip to Thailand for next year during Songkran 2021. It’s definitely one of the most fun and festive times to be in Thailand (which also happens to be one of my all-time favorite destinations).

But wait, let’s back up, what is Songkran?

Songkran is Thailand’s famous water festival – and it marks the beginning of traditional Thai New Year. The word Songkran comes from Sanskrit and even means ‘passing’ or ‘move into.’ During the mid April festival, the entire city turns into a massive water fight – with parties galore and everyone is wet basically 24/7.

But it’s not JUST about partying. It’s also a time for family and friends to come together to honor their elders, visit temples, pray, present offerings to monks, and pour water on the statues of Buddha—which represents purification and the washing away of one’s sins and bad luck.

When is Songkran water festival?

Well the short answer is April 13th-15theach year; but different parts of the country can even celebrate longer!

Though Thailand now celebrates New Years with the rest of the world on January 1st. Mid April – in keeping with the Buddhist calendar – was their official New Years until 1940. To this day, Songkran still remains a national holiday however.

What’s the significance of water during Songkran?

The idea behind splashing during Songkran water festival is to cleanse one another of bad things as we enter the new year. Bathing is a big ritual during this time, and people even pour water on monks. This is supposed to bring you luck, longevity, good health and prosperity. It is tradition to clean your entire house the day before the festival as well.

For more on the history of Songkran - check out this article.

What is it like to be in Thailand during Songkran?

Well first off, it’s an absolute blast. One of the most fun travel experiences of my life.

It’s a time when everyone in the city—young and old—come together to get wet and play. Many major streets are closed down—transformed into a massive, wet, wonderful water playground.

As you drive by, be prepared to see groups of people gathered out front restaurants, bars, retail shops, and homes with hoses gushing into dumpsters – that people then use to re-fill their buckets and squirt guns.

And ANYONE is fair game to douse with water.

You’ll see pickup trucks with kiddie pools in the back, that families use to splash other cars and pedestrians as they drive by. And nearly ever motorbike has a 2ndpassenger holding on with a squirt gun at ready.

Here’s a short video that showcases what it’s really like to be in Thailand for Songkran!

Tourists are invited and encouraged to join in as well. Songkran welcomes everyone!

It’s actually a great time to be in Thailand even if traveling solo. I was alone, but I met so many people over those 3 days in the city. I was invited to play by locals and tourists alike. I was overwhelmed by how inclusive the city became!!

Not only are there water activities, but this is also a time of many parades, beauty contests and carnivals. So needless to say the city is very fun around mid April, with endless things to do and experience!

Where is the best place in Thailand to celebrate Songkran?

Well I am biased because I personally experienced it in Chiang Mai – but from what I hear from others, that is the city of choice for most others as well. Chiang Mai is in the North of Thailand and is the gateway to the cultural triangle. There’s SO much to do there, you’ll want to plan accordingly and have extra days before/after to explore some of the sites.

The best place in Chiang Mai to congregate around during the Songkran water festival is the Thapae Gate. Festivities start early in the morning and there are parades, processions, beauty contests and other events throughout the day.

For an after party at night, all the expats and tourists find their way to Zooey’s – a rowdy bar with nonstop dancing and merriment.

Other great places to enjoy Songkran include:

· Khao San Road in Bangkok

· Silom Road in Bangkok

· Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai

· Patong Bangla Road in Phuket

· Beach Road, Pattaya

For more details on each of these locations check out Klook’s Blog Post.

Is Songkran celebrated anywhere else in the world?

It’s undoubtedly the biggest in Thailand. But I hear that India has celebrations in certain parts of the country as well, and Thai descent communities in Malaysia also take part in festivities.

What Thai phrases should I know for Songkran?

Sawasdee Pi-Mai – Happy New Year!

Now that you know some background about what Songkran is and can visualize it….let me share some of my top tips on how to be completely PREPARED and have an AMAZING Songkran experience.

TOP TIPS FOR SURVIVING SONGKRAN….

Accept that you’re gonna get drenched (and get over it!)
You choose to visit Thailand during Songkran festival, so embrace it. It helps to just mentally prepare yourself and know that you are going to be soaked within 10 seconds of stepping outside, each and every day for 3 full days.
Think about it this way – if you were going to dive into a pool with your clothes on and all your stuff—how would you dress? How would you protect your phone/wallet? That’s how you should leave the hostel during Songkran.
Leave anything valuable inside
This one probably goes without saying, but don’t bring out anything valuable! Expensive shoes, laptops, and cameras should all be left at home.
For anything that MUST go outside with you….
Make sure you’re armed with plenty of protective waterproof bags/gear for your luggage
If you are just arriving in Thailand and carrying your luggage, make sure you’re prepared and have everything covered with protective waterproof rain gear!! Here is a cover suitable for a backpacks and suitcases.
I also bought these waterproof bags for scuba off of Amazon and they have lasted me for YEARS! It’s nice to have a few of these with you in case you need them.
Take only what you absolutely need outside with you (and make sure it’s protected too!)
When leaving the house, drastically pair back your essential items to just a phone (if necessary) and a small amount of baht (Thai currency).
Then I recommend putting your phone and baht in a waterproof case like THIS ONE from Amazon. I’ve used these cases throughout Songkran and pool party festivals in the states….they’ve never let me down so far!
Sport goggles like they’re the latest fashion
I know you’re gonna look silly, but some of that water is REALLY dirty. People get it from anywhere and the last thing you want to do is come down sick due to the festival….something that is supposed to be fun!
This is especially important if you wear contacts. I realized early that wearing goggles, and looking a little goofy, was much better than having my contact go missing in my eye while in the middle of a crowded arena! Rock those goggles like they are the latest style and you’ll be fine.
Wear a bra…please…
It’s hot as balls in Thailand in April, so I can totally understand wanting to go bra-less—but Songkran is NOT the time. Unless you really don’t care about your nips showing. In that case, more power to yah 
Avoid white at all costs
Similarly to the above, wearing white is going to leave you looking more naked than you intended. Plus the water that gets thrown around is DIRTY. Anything white is unlikely to make it back home in tact.
Make sure to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Even though you’re going to be drenched and might not notice the heat as much as other times of year, you absolutely need to wear sunscreen. You’re going to be out all day in the hot sun (and having so much fun you lose track of time) and don’t want to end up with a terrible sunburn. I also recommend sunglasses to shield your eyes and a sensible hat (that can get wet of course).
A raincoat, poncho or a swimsuit under your clothes is also wise
You’ll see lots of people donning ponchos and raincoats. I am obsessed with my travel raincoat from Kosan and highly recommend it – it’s lightweight, breathable and packs up really small. Plus the size small is long enough to cover my shorts (I’m 5’2) – perfect for a Songkran battle outfit!
If you don’t want to invest in something at that price point, a simple ponchowill do too! It’s just a little less comfortable (or cute haha).
Booze isn’t allowed until after 5pm
I know it’s tempting to want to whip out the booze when you’re on vacation….but keep in mind that drinking before 5pm during the festival is frowned upon. This is a cultural celebration and it’s important to keep that in mind. But trust me, you don’t need it! You’re going to be having enough fun at Songkran without!
Hyrate, hydrate, hydrate
You’re going to be out in the sweltering heat all day, so remember to drink plenty of water (yes I know I sound like your mother….but someone’s got to!!)
Also likely goes without saying, but DO NOT swallow the water that is thrown at you. Drink out of waterbottles or purified water ONLY.
Don’t ride motorbikes during this time
After seeing nearly ever traveler friend group have at least one person badly banged up from a motorbike accident, I’ve been scarred from ever driving one myself. And Songkran is an especially risky time to be riding on motorbikes. There are an average of twenty-seven road deaths per day on non-holidays throughout Thailand, and that number shoots up to FIFTY-TWO during Songkran.
If the daredevil in you really wants to give driving a motorbike a try, I would wait until after Songkran is over just to be on the safe side. You wouldn’t want to get hurt and ruin the rest of your trip.
Get cash out before Songkran starts
The ATMs in Thailand are a pesky situation—often running out of cash—even during non-holidays. So make sure to plan ahead and get cash out BEFORE Songkran water festival, that way you’re all covered.
But please, for the love of god, leave most of your cash in the room!!
Keep a close eye on your belongings
Pickpockets and thieves are especially active during this time and you want to be safe & smart about what you carry with you and always keep a close eye on your belongings.
Taxis won’t be running in the middle of town
So you’re going to have to walk or take a tuktuk if you need a ride somewhere, but keep in mind tuktuks are PRIME targets for water dunking!
Don’t take it personally
If someone pummels you with water, don’t get mad or take it personally. This is what this festival is all about. Water isn’t thrown to be hurtful…in fact, quite the opposite. It’s a way of showing love and respect, by helping to wash away one’s sins.
Be respectful & remember that this is a cultural celebration
I would caution anywhere to be respectful AT ALL TIMES when traveling, but I think it’s especially important to remember during a holiday. There are a lot of age-old traditions and religious rites taking place during this time and you want to show respect. A few rules of thumb…
- Dress appropriately (don’t run around in a swimsuit)
- Don’t throw ice cold water
- Don’t throw talcum powder (yes this is something that happens and it’s GROSS)
- Don’t throw water on motorbike drivers (it could cause an accident)
- Avoid touching anyone’s head
- Remove your shoes & cover your legs/shoulders when entering temples
- Etc
Be open to possibility
Songkran is a magical time and even if you’re traveling alone, there’s lots of fun to be had and new friends to be made! Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation, ask to join, or interact with locals. Be open to possibilities and just say yes. You never know what could happen…who you could meet…or what crazy, exciting memories you’ll make.

While the parties and water fights are no doubt entertaining, the real essence of Songkran is about happiness and kindness to all people. And I certainly felt enveloped in that throughout my Songkran experience in Thailand. And I know YOU will too! I hope reading this article has gotten you pumped about Thailand’s most famous water festival and that you have added Songkran to your travel bucketlist…for 2021 and beyond!

Have you been to Songkran in Thailand?! If so, share your experience in the comments below!

xoxo

Lauren

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