Soak in the Festive Vibes! Here’s Where to Celebrate Songkran in Bangkok

Happy Songkran Day! Regarded as the most important public holiday in Thailand, the Songkran Water Festival also serves as the “biggest tourist haven” since it is filled with people equipped with giant water guns, along with decoratively painted elephants that roam through the streets.

This traditional festival of splashing and pouring of water symbolises the washing away of sins and marks the beginning of the Buddhist New Year. It is celebrated annually on April 13 and usually lasts three days.

Whether you’re a local traveller or a backpacker, here are some of the best places to celebrate Songkran Festival in Bangkok. A friendly reminder that those arriving with bags are not exempt from getting wet!

Temples

Doing good deeds, such as visiting holy temples, is one of the most important things to do to earn merits during the Songkran Festival.

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Known as “the most sacred” Buddhist temple in the kingdom, Wat Phra Kaew houses 178 famous mural paintings and the Emerald Buddha statue.

If you wish to enjoy the Songkran Festival in peace and focus on Thai art, culture, and history, Wat Phra Kaew is the ideal location for you. Solo travellers may also enjoy the open-air galleries surrounding the temple complex.

Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Wat Pho, Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)

Celebrate the Buddhist New Year by paying homage to the Buddha's relics at The Golden Mount Temple. It was built as a place of education for the public and is known for its massive stupa on top, which requires 318 steps to climb.

This temple is an ideal place for locals and tourists who are looking for a spot that offers stunning views of the entire city of Bangkok.

Last 2022, the Tourism Authority of Thailand held ceremonies at Wat Saket to honour the ancient roots of Songkran. Other activities featured last year at Wat Saket were traditional cultural performances, Thai-style antiphon singing, and a Thai puppet show, as well as demonstrations of authentic Thai dessert making and fruit carving.

Location: 344 Thanon Chakkraphatdi Phong, Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok

Wat Suthat Thepwararam (Temple of the Giant Swing)

Included in the list of royal temples in Bangkok is Wat Suthat Thepwararam. It is also one of the oldest temples in the city, covering 10 acres and is home to an eight-metre-tall Buddha image, an 800-year-old Sukhothai image, and over 150 large Buddha images. Its name was inspired by the huge red swing in front of it called “Sao Ching Chaa,” which is 200 metres tall and is made of teak wood.

Parties

GCircuit

World-class productions. Sexy gogos. Superstar DJs.

GCircuit has been one of the largest (and gayest) Songkran parties in Bangkok since 2007. This year, they will throw a series of parties from April 13-26.

Neon Metropolis will be the launch party, featuring DJs Chu, Ivan Gomez, and Nacho Chopado. This will be followed by Super Heroes vs. Super Villains on Friday as the main party, with performances from DJs Preeda Tony, Isis Muretech, and Alex Acosta.

On Saturday, there will be a Bear Pool Party with DJs Herric and Rita and Space Opera as the main party (volume two) with DJs Sun J and Mor Avrahami on the deck. On Sunday, there will be two parties – Sun Pool (Boy Pool Party) and 50 Shades of Gay (closing party). For more information, check out GCircuit’s official website.

Location: 4 Soi Sakaengam 44, Samaedam, Bangkhuntien, Bangkok

S2O Songkran Music Festival (Bangkok)

The “world’s wettest party” returns after a three-year hiatus. Expect internationally acclaimed DJs to be there, such as Tiësto, Sebastian Ingrosso, Nicky Romero, Öwnboss, and Lucas & Steve, among others.

Apart from music festivals and hip-hop concerts, partygoers should get ready for water fights and water cannons as part of the tradition. If, on the other hand, you would rather enjoy the event

without getting wet, there are other sections specifically reserved for you to do so. The party will start at 5 PM ‘til late, with an admission fee of THB1,600 for a one-day pass.

Location: Outdoor Event Space, Live Park at Rama 9

Parks

Sanam Luang

Seated opposite to the northern wall of the Grand Palace and the eastern wall of the former Viceroy Palace or Wang Na, Sanam Luang is a tranquil place to celebrate Songkran Festival because of its vast open grounds and multi-purpose park.

The park was once called Thung Phra Mane (royal crematorium ground), as it served as a crematorium site for some royal family members. During Songkran Festival, you may anticipate a parade with people sprinkling water on the Buddha statue, which signifies respect and a prosperous new year.

Other expected activities at Sanam Luang are performances rooted in Thai culture and heritage, such as shadow puppetry, Muay Thai demonstrations, mask dancing, and traditional costumes and music, among others.

Location: Sanam Luang, Ratchadamnoen Nai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang Phra Nakhon Bangkok

Lumpini Park

In 2019, throngs of people from different provinces travelled to Lumpini Park to celebrate Songkran. The park played host to a variety of artistic and cultural acts, as well as a beauty pageant, and a market for community-based crafts and Thai food.

Lumpini or Lumphini Park is considered the largest green space in the city that is dedicated for recreational activities. On ordinary days, you can enjoy watching people have picnics, jogging, paddling boats, or doing aerobics.

Location: Lumpini Park, 192 Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok