Songkran in Bangkok

Songkran is the Thai New Year, celebrated from 13 to 15 April every year. Traditionally it's a time for families to gather, make merit at temples and pour scented water over Buddha images and the hands of elders as a blessing. In Bangkok, that gentle ritual has grown into a citywide water fight lasting several days.

Songkran 2027: Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 April. Celebrations in Bangkok often start a day or two early.

The traditions behind the water fight

• Rod nam dam hua: pouring scented water over the hands of elders to ask for their blessing.
• Song nam phra: bathing Buddha images with water at temples and in public squares.
• Making merit: giving food to monks in the morning.
• Cleaning the house before the new year.

The water fights grew out of this as a way to cool off in the hottest month of the year — and as a blessing, in theory. If you're splashed, you're being wished good luck.

Where the water fights are

Bangkok's best-known battlegrounds have been:

• Silom Road — closed to traffic and turned into a giant water fight, especially around BTS Sala Daeng. See our Silom guide.
• Khao San Road — packed with backpackers and Thai revellers. See Khao San Road.
• Malls, parks and outdoor event spaces hosting organised events with stages and music.

Road closures and event locations are announced shortly before the festival each year, so check local news or your hotel when you arrive.

How to enjoy it

• Wear clothes you don't mind getting soaked, and quick-drying shoes or sandals.
• Waterproof pouch for your phone — sold everywhere in the days before.
• Buy a water gun from street stalls and join in.
• Expect to be splashed anywhere outdoors, including on the way to dinner. Taxis and tuk-tuks are not safe zones.
• Be gentle with older people, monks, babies and anyone clearly not playing. Don't aim at drivers or motorbike riders.
• Watch out for talc paste (din sor pong) — people may dab it on your face; it's part of the tradition.

If you don't want to get wet

• Stay indoors in malls, museums and your hotel during the afternoon peak.
• Use the BTS and MRT rather than walking through party areas.
• Visit temples in the morning, when the atmosphere is more traditional and calmer.

What changes in the city

Songkran is a major holiday. Many Bangkok residents travel to their home provinces, so the city feels emptier, traffic is lighter and some small businesses and street stalls close. Big attractions, malls and most restaurants stay open. Long-distance transport and hotels in other provinces are very busy.

Songkran with children

Children usually love Songkran. Choose daytime family-friendly events at malls or parks over the crowded party streets, give them their own water guns and goggles, and avoid the late-afternoon crush on Silom and Khao San.

Safety

Road accidents rise sharply across Thailand during Songkran. Don't ride motorbikes, avoid drinking near traffic and take extra care crossing roads.

For the rest of the calendar, see the best time to visit Bangkok.