Thailand is a country filled with rich traditions and enormous festivals, and one such festival that is always exciting is the Songkran Festival in Thailand. The songkran in Thailand, translated to the Water Festival, is an international festival marking the new year in Thailand and has been celebrated by large-scale water fights, traditional rituals, and family gatherings. In 2025, furthermore, the Songkran Festival 2025 will be held from April 13 to 15, with plenty of activities to do for locals and tourists to gain memories forever.
Songkran Thailand Festival 2025
This whole event is deeply rooted in traditions that date to Thailand. The word ''Songkran'' means "to move" or "change," derived from a Sanskrit word, signifying the transition into the New Year, which stands for cleansing, renewal, and love for family.
During the festival, it is tradition to pour water over Buddha statues and the hands of elders. This process is done as a sign of respect and to wash away bad luck. It is accepted over time, so water bombardments have evolved to make it one of the most exciting festivals among the world.
Why is Songkran Called the "Water Festival in Thailand"?
The Water Festival in Thailand is a unique event that uses water to symbolize the washing away of the last year's misfortunes. Across the country, people convert into battlefields where both locals and tourists engage in friendly water fights, whether swimming with buckets, super soaking each other with water guns, or using hoses just for the fun of it.
Top Best Places to Celebrate Songkran Festival 2025
Here are the best places to spend your time in during Songkran festival if you want to experience the Thailand Holi Festival:
1. Bangkok – Khao San Road & Silom
This is one of the most vibrant places to witness the Songkran festival in Thailand. The places to be are Khao San Road and Silom, where thousands of people come together to splash water for three days of nonstop partying and dancing.
2. Chiang Mai- The Ultimate Destination for Songkran
Chiang Mai is said to be the best chapter of Songkran in Thailand. The entire city becomes a water fighting venue, especially around the Tha Pae Gate and the Old City Moat, where people splash water right from the moat.
3. Phuket- Patong Beach Party
Mixing beach parties and street water battles, Phuket ranks among the top locations to celebrate the Songkran Thailand festival. The Patong Beach area, specifically Bangla Road, is where all the action happens.
4. Pattaya-The Longest Songkran Celebration
This is the location for you if you don't mind prolonging Songkran in Thailand. In Pattaya, Songkran goes on until 19 April; Beach Road turns into a party ground, with huge concerts and water fights.
How to Prepare for Songkran Festival 2025
- Wear casual, quick-dry clothing: You're going to get wet, so heavy fabrics need to stay away.
- Waterproof bags: Protect your phone and valuables from water.
- Be mindful of tradition: While the festival is all in good fun, keep in mind that it is very much tied to Buddhist traditions.
- Wear glasses: Watched the water powder in your eyes.
- Watch for road safety: Beware of slippery roads and heavy traffic. Accidents do happen.
Is Songkran the "Thailand Holi Festival"?
A number of tourists have drawn a comparison between the Songkran Festival in Thailand and the Indian Holi Festival due to the more playful aspects of both festivals. While Holi consists of the throwing of colored powders, water splashing and Buddhist traditions make up the essence of Songkran. They are both celebrated for their joy, rebirth, and collective joys, making each an ethnic experience.
Final Thoughts on Songkran Festival in Thailand
The Songkran Festival in Thailand is like a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings together tradition, spirituality, and just plain fun. Whether you're in Bangkok, in Chiang Mai, in Phuket, or in Pattaya, the Water Festival in Thailand is certain to be memorable. If you’re planning your next trip, mark your calendars for Songkran Festival 2025 and get ready to join Thailand’s biggest water fight!
Would you love to experience Songkran? Start planning your Thailand Trip today!