Songkran 2025 in Thailand – The World’s Biggest Water Spectacle

March 5, 2025

Thailand’s most important holiday, Songkran, also known as the Thai New Year or Water Festival, is a vibrant celebration unlike any other. While much of the world rings in the New Year in January, Thailand celebrates its traditional New Year in April—specifically from Sunday, April 13 to Tuesday, April 15, 2025. This festival, rooted in the Thai lunar calendar, also takes place in Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos and coincides with the hottest time of year during the dry season.

What is Songkran?

Songkran marks the beginning of the Buddhist New Year. The word "Songkran" comes from Sanskrit, meaning the sun’s entry into Aries. This family-oriented festival is deeply embedded in Thai culture, where people return to their hometowns to pay respects to elders. A key tradition involves gently pouring water over the hands of older family members as a sign of respect, cleansing past misfortunes, and seeking blessings for the year ahead. The water also offers relief from the intense April heat. Many Thais visit temples to pray and "bathe" Buddha statues, adding a spiritual dimension to the festivities.

Over time, Songkran has evolved into a massive water fight, especially in urban and tourist areas, blending ancient traditions with modern exuberance.

The Three Days of Songkran 2025

Day 1 – Maha Songkran (April 13)
The last day of the old year is a time for spring cleaning. Thais clean their homes and bodies to shed the negativity of the past year. Processions featuring Buddha statues wind through the streets, setting the stage for the celebrations.
Day 2 – Wan Nao (April 14)
A transitional day when the sun enters Aries. Families prepare food for Buddhist ceremonies and spend time together, gearing up for the official New Year.
Day 3 – Wan Thaloeng Sok (April 15)
The actual New Year’s Day begins with temple visits in traditional Thai attire. People offer food to monks and "bathe" Buddha statues to ensure good fortune. Nationwide, the streets erupt in joyful celebrations, varying by region.

Songkran Today – A Water Festival Extravaganza

What began as a respectful ritual has grown into a nationwide water festival. Thais, expats, and tourists alike join in massive water battles, using buckets, water guns, and even truckloads of water. In tourist hotspots, the festivities reach a fever pitch with parades, concerts, and "Miss Songkran" contests. However, excessive alcohol consumption often leads to traffic accidents, a somber downside to the revelry.

Best Places to Celebrate Songkran 2025

Bangkok: The capital hosts massive celebrations, especially around Wat Pho, Silom Road, and Khao San Road. For a more authentic experience, visit Phra Pradaeng for dances and flower parades.
Chiang Mai: Known for stunning parades, beauty contests, and fireworks, the festivities here start on April 12 and last a week.
Phuket: A water-soaked paradise, especially at Patong Beach, where the focus is on cooling off in the April heat.
Pattaya: A week-long water war peaks around Wan Lai (April 19), turning the city into a drenched party zone.

What to Wear for Songkran 2025

For a traditional experience, wear Thai costumes to temples. For the water fights, opt for colorful Hawaiian shirts, Thai fisherman pants, or sarongs made of quick-drying viscose. Swimsuits instead of regular underwear are a practical choice—you will get wet!