Songkran, the annual Thai New Year celebration, evokes mixed feelings. For some it is a spiritual and traditional celebration, while others experience it as a hectic water festival. This article offers a personal look at the various aspects of Songkran, with respect for Thai culture and a nod to the sometimes uncomfortable situations that the festival entails.
The final day of the Songkran festival in Pattaya has attracted large crowds on Beach Road and at Central Festival. Known for its lively water fights, the event marks a period of celebration and renewal. While many visitors enjoyed the festivities, opponents of the water festival breathed a sigh of relief at the conclusion.
Happy Thai New Year: Sawadee Pi Mai, Songkran can begin!
The Thai New Year, Songkran, is more than a playful water fight; it is a time of renewal and community. Every year, the streets of Thailand transform into vibrant arenas where everyone, young and old, celebrate the transition to a new year with rituals that both cleanse and connect.
The Songkran Festival, a highlight in Thailand that marks the traditional New Year, brings a time of joy with lively water fights and cultural festivities. As excitement grows among participants worldwide, experts emphasize the importance of preparation for a safe and enjoyable experience. From traffic planning to sun protection, this article offers advice on how to fully enjoy Songkran without compromise.
Songkran will last three weeks this year and starts on April 1
This year, Thailand is going big with the celebration of the Songkran festival, which starts on April 1 and lasts three weeks. The nationwide festival, recently recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, promises a mix of fun water activities and cultural events. The government sees it as an opportunity to promote tourism and emphasize Thailand's soft power.
Thailand announces an ambitious transformation of the Songkran festival into a month-long global water festival. Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party unveils plans to make Songkran a top world event, aiming to strengthen Thailand's soft power and attract international visitors, promising a significant economic boost.
And? Did you get wet the past few days?
Songkran is all but over and many will breathe a sigh of relief. If you live in Pattaya then you are out of luck because it will continue there for a while. On April 19, there is the big Songkran party on Beachroad and then the water fun is over. In any case, who got soaking wet is Prayut.
10 Best Places in Thailand to Celebrate Songkran
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, which you probably know as a large-scale water festival. Yet its origins go back much further and have deep cultural and spiritual roots.
Songkran in ancient times (video)
Tomorrow is April 13 and that is an important date for Thailand, namely the start of Songkran (April 13 – 15), the Thai new year. Most Thais are on vacation and use Songkran to return to their hometown to ring in the New Year with family. During Songkran, parents and grandparents are thanked by sprinkling water on their children's hands. The water symbolizes happiness and renewal.
Water festivals in Southeast Asia
It's April and therefore time for a number of Southeast Asian countries to ceremonially close the year and usher in a new year. In Thailand we know the Songkran Festival for this. The traditional celebrations in temples are less well known than the boisterous playing with water by both Thais and foreigners.
Discover Thailand's sparkling Songkran Festival The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) invites you to join the festivities of the Songkran Festival, the Thai New Year, at various locations across the country. This year, the agency expects an economic boost of 18 billion baht thanks to both Thai and foreign visitors participating in the celebrations.
Thai New Year Songkran: 'You love it or you hate it!'
Soon Songkran will erupt again. Thailand celebrates the New Year on April 13. The Songkran water festival, one of the most famous and popular festivals in Thailand, evokes mixed feelings among Thais and expats. While some love the party and festivities, others find it horrible and prefer to avoid the crowds and splashing water.
Calendar: Songkran, Thai New Year from April 13 – 15
The month of April is soon approaching and that is all about Thai New Year: Songkran. The celebration of Songkran (April 13 – 15) is also known as the 'water festival' and is celebrated all over the country. Most Thais are on vacation and use Songkran to return to their hometown to ring in the New Year with family.
Good news for Songkran lovers (yes, there are). The Thai government has assured that Songkran celebrations can take place as normal next month. However, health and safety measures must still be observed.
On November 19, 2021, the annual Loi Krathong Festival will be celebrated in Thailand. In many different places in Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, there are evening activities and the 'Festival of Lights' is celebrated exuberantly.
'Songkran holiday may be held in July'
The government is considering the possibility of introducing a long holiday period in July to still celebrate Songkran. However, the condition is that the number of new infections with Covid-19 remains low.
Songkran is a silly party
Let me get straight to the point: Songkran is (has become) a stupid party. The underpants fun for children and (almost) senile elderly. What's the fun of throwing water at unsuspecting passersby?
Is there a Songkran water festival on Khao San Road?
We are two backpackers from the Netherlands and we arrive in Bangkok tomorrow. We have a hostel near Khao San Road. We would like to experience the water party. Now we heard that it is not possible there this year because everything is neatly made for the coronation. Is that right? We would regret that very much. And where should we be then? Somewhere where many young people come?
On November 22, 2018, the annual Loi Krathong Festival will be celebrated in Thailand. In many different places in Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, there are evening activities and the 'Festival of Lights' is celebrated exuberantly.
The Thai New Year, Songkran, is a celebration of unprecedented proportions and lasts for three days: April 13, 14 and 15. The images of water throwing and water fights are all over the world.
Water fun in Pattaya
With the rising temperature in Thailand, we naturally look for cooling in all kinds of ways. You can sit in a shady spot near your accommodation with your feet in a basin of water or take a dip in the swimming pool, if you have one available at your house or hotel.
My Songkran 2017 in Pattaya
Songkran in Pattaya/Jomtien is over and with that the whole of Thailand returns to the order of its normal day. Was it fun? Yes, I thought so! I have seen a lot of people having fun and enjoying themselves and that makes me happy too.