How to Prepare for Songkran and Enjoy Thailand’s Famous New Year Festival

Thailand is known for its colorful festivals, attracting both locals and travelers from around the world to its busy streets. Among these festivals, Songkran is one of the most meaningful as it marks the start of a new year.

Songkran brings the streets to life with laughter and water, with each splash symbolizing renewal and prosperity. Whether you’ve participated in Songkran before or you’re planning to fly to Thailand to take part for the first time, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of this festival. Knowing what to expect and the things you need to prepare can make your Songkran experience more memorable, too.

What You Need to Know About Songkran

Songkran, or Thai New Year, comes from the Sanskrit word that means “passing” or “approaching” and is considered Thailand’s most important annual festival, celebrated every April, from the 13th to the 15th.

During the first day of the festival on April 13, Thais prepare for the new year by cleaning their houses and holding processions featuring Buddha images. According to sources, scented water is poured over Buddha images to signify the “washing away” of the previous year.

By April 14, young people are expected to pay respects to the elders and offerings are given to temples and monks. April 15, the last day of the festival, is Thai New Year’s Day and several events are expected to take place all over the country.

“Water fights” or splashing people with water is one of the significant parts of Songkran. As it takes place in April, one of the hottest months of the year, you’ll see people coming out with water guns and buckets of water. While Bangkok is the place to be for Songkran, you can also expect activities happening in Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Dos and Don’ts During Songkran

As you wander the lively streets and observe how locals celebrate Songkran, joining in on the fun means being mindful of what to do and things to avoid during the festival. Experience Songkran to the fullest with these reminders:

DOs:

• Plan ahead and make sure you wake up early to visit a temple to make offerings.
• While you can expect people splashing water or getting wet from all the fun, keep yourself hydrated as it can get really hot.
• Greet the people you meet a happy new year.
• Be mindful of rituals taking place and practice respect.
• Wear comfortable footwear that can be dried afterwards.
• Splash with consent as not everyone may be open to celebrating due to different reasons.
• If you’re joining the “water fights,” use clean water.
• Put your phone and cash in a plastic bag to keep these from getting wet.

DON’Ts:

• Splash water on babies, the elderly, pregnant women, and monks.
• Drink and drive for safety reasons.
• Drink alcohol near temples.
• Wear provocative clothing. You can wear a bikini or a pair of beach shorts; just make sure you cover up with a light T-shirt or top.

Things to Pack and Wear During Your Visit

Looking forward to visiting Thailand for Songkran? Pack wisely by making room in your luggage for these essentials:

• Waterproof phone case or bag – to keep your phone, camera, and essentials dry
• Extra light and dri-fit clothing – the perfect choice for the festival and the weather when you visit
• Sandals or flip-flops with a grip that you can wear when wandering the streets
• Swimwear – you can wear these under your clothes when participating in the festival
• Towels or toilet paper so you can dry yourself easily before heading back home or to your hotel

Beyond splashing water and having fun, Songkran is a festival rich in tradition and meaning, with family and friends coming together to celebrate new beginnings. Take this opportunity to meet new people and immerse yourself in Thailand’s rich culture.