Ignite Travel Solution, your trusted and best international tour operator for unforgettable holidays from India
Songkran, Thailand’s most cherished festival, is far more than just a water fight. It marks the Thai New Year, traditionally celebrated on April 13, with festivities often extending to April 14 and 15. For locals, it’s a time for honouring elders, cleansing the past, and making spiritual merit. For visitors, it offers a rare opportunity to be part of something joyful, meaningful, and deeply rooted in Thai culture.
Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or as part of a group, experiencing Songkran for the first time is both thrilling and humbling—and with the right preparation, it’s a trip you’ll never forget.
What is the Songkran Festival?
Songkran originates from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti, meaning “transformation” or “change.” In Thai culture, it represents new beginnings, both spiritually and socially. Traditionally, the festival includes:
- Water-pouring rituals to cleanse and bless
- Temple visits to offer prayers and food to monks
- Family reunions to honour elders
- Community activities involving cleaning homes and public spaces
But over time, it’s also grown into one of the world’s most vibrant public celebrations, where water becomes a symbol of cleansing, joy, and shared celebration.
Take a trip to Thailand, availing of our best Thailand tour packages.
Should You Visit Thailand During Songkran?
Absolutely—if you’re prepared.
Songkran is a truly one-of-a-kind cultural celebration. Streets fill with music, people smile more often, and entire cities turn into joyful splash zones. But this isn’t just about getting wet—it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.
That said, first-time travellers should come with the right mindset:
- Expect to get wet—everywhere, all day
- Waterproof your electronics and essentials
- Respect sacred and quiet spaces (especially temples)
- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing
- Participate with kindness—Songkran is about joy, not chaos
Take a trip to Thailand from Kerala.
Best Places to Celebrate Songkran in Thailand
Whether you prefer high-energy festivals or peaceful rituals, here are four top destinations offering different styles of Songkran celebrations:
- Chiang Mai – The Ultimate Songkran Celebration
Chiang Mai offers the most iconic Songkran experience in Thailand. What begins as a three-day national holiday here extends into a 10-day festival, especially around Tha Pae Gate.
- Giant water fights in the Old City
- Traditional ceremonies at ancient temples
- Sand pagoda building, blessings, and merit-making
- A rich blend of spirituality and celebration
- Phuket – Songkran by the Sea
If you’re dreaming of Songkran with a beach twist, Phuket delivers.
- Patong Beach and Bangla Road become full-scale water party zones
- Hotels and resorts host pool parties, parades, and performances
- Local villages maintain traditional water-blessing ceremonies
- Chiang Rai – A Scenic and Cultural Escape
Looking for a calmer, more scenic alternative? Chiang Rai offers a gentler rhythm:
- Peaceful water rituals at Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
- Community parades and folk dances
- Celebrations along the Kok River
- Mountain views and less crowded experiences
4. Buri Ram – For Festival and Sport Lovers
In Thailand’s northeast, Buri Ram adds an energetic spin to Songkran:
- Huge water fights around Chang Arena
- Live concerts, Muay Thai fights, and even motorsports
- Local street parades and traditional blessings
No matter where you go, Songkran is a shared celebration of life, renewal, and togetherness. From temple courtyards to beach parties, water is the one language everyone speaks.
Click here for the best Thailand Tour Packages from India.
Plan Your Songkran Trip with Ignite Travel Solution
At Ignite Travel Solution, we help you do more than visit Thailand—we help you understand it. When you choose one of our Thailand tour packages from India, we’ll make sure you don’t just watch the water fly, but you are a part of the celebration. Make your next holiday one filled with stories, colour, and shared smiles.
