Songkran Festival

Songkran Festival 2026

Songkran is Thailand’s most fun and famous festival.

It takes place every year in April and celebrates the traditional Thai New Year. The festival comes at the hottest time of the year, making it the perfect moment to cool down and enjoy the water.

From 13–15 April, streets all across Thailand turn into giant water-fight zones. Locals and visitors use buckets, water guns, and hoses to splash everyone around them. Pick-up trucks drive through towns filled with water barrels, soaking anyone they pass. There is no escaping — and that’s what makes it so much fun.

Songkran is not only about water fights. The water also has a special meaning. It symbolises washing away bad luck from the past year and welcoming a fresh, happy start. In families and temples, water is gently poured as a blessing and sign of respect.

Useful Tips

Avoid riding motorbikes during Songkran — riders get soaked.
Use waterproof bags for phones and valuables.
Wear sunscreen — the sun is very strong in April.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Most of all, enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Songkran is a time to smile, have fun, and make new friends. You will often hear “Sawasdee Pi Mai”, which means Happy New Year.

Dates: 13–15 April 2026
Location: All locations in Thailand