Loading...
Loading...
Thai New Year · 13–15 April 2026
Thailand's biggest national celebration. If you step outside in festival zones, you will get wet — and it will be one of the most memorable days of your life in Thailand.
Dates 2026
13–15 April
Public holidays: 12–16 April
Transport
Book Early
Busiest domestic travel period in Thailand
Safety
Waterproof Mode
Seal all electronics before leaving home
Songkran (13–15 April) is Thailand's official New Year celebration. While its roots are in the gentle Buddhist tradition of pouring water over elders' hands as a blessing, it has evolved into a massive city-wide water fight across the country. The streets of festival zones become rivers. You will be soaked within seconds of stepping outside.
Expat Survival Tips
The largest street party in Bangkok. Expect full soaking. Organised zones, music stages, and tens of thousands of participants.
Tourist-focused celebration with foreigners and Thais mixing. High energy — and high water pressure from Super Soakers.
The original Songkran heartland. The moat surrounding the Old City becomes a 5km water battle zone. More traditional and more emotional than Bangkok.
The Silom district around Soi 2-4 hosts the most inclusive celebration in Thailand, vibrant and welcoming.
Pattaya traditionally extends celebrations for an extra week, making it the longest running Songkran in the country.