The Short Answer
Songkran is Thailand's New Year festival, celebrated every April 13–15. It's the world's largest water fight — but it's also a deeply meaningful Buddhist holiday about renewal, respect, and cleansing.
What started as a gentle tradition of pouring water over elders' hands has evolved into a nationwide water war involving super soakers, fire trucks, and foam parties. Bangkok alone sees millions of people on the streets.
What Does Songkran Mean?
The word "Songkran" comes from the Sanskrit saṃkrānti, meaning "astrological passage" — the movement of the sun into the zodiac sign of Aries. It marks the traditional Thai, Lao, Cambodian, and Burmese New Year.
Water symbolizes purification and renewal. Pouring water washes away bad luck from the previous year and blesses you for the year ahead.
The History of Songkran
Songkran has been celebrated in Thailand for over 700 years, dating back to the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238–1438). The original traditions were quiet and spiritual:
- Rod Nam Dam Hua — pouring scented water over the hands of elders to ask for blessings
- Visiting temples — making merit, offering food to monks
- Cleaning homes — symbolically sweeping away the old year
- Building sand stupas — at temples, decorated with flags and flowers
The water-throwing evolved gradually. Young people began splashing each other playfully, and by the 1990s it had become the full-scale water festival we know today.
Who Celebrates Songkran?
Songkran is a national holiday in Thailand, but similar water festivals happen across Southeast Asia:
- Laos — Pi Mai Lao (April 14–16)
- Myanmar — Thingyan (April 13–16)
- Cambodia — Chol Chnam Thmey (April 14–16)
- Sri Lanka — Sinhala and Tamil New Year
In Thailand, it's celebrated by everyone — Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, and tourists alike. The festival transcends religion and has become a cultural celebration of Thai identity.
What Happens During Songkran?
The Traditional Side
- Temple visits early morning (April 13)
- Buddha image bathing with scented water
- Family gatherings and special meals
- Merit-making ceremonies
The Water Fight Side
- Street water battles — Silom, Khao San, Siam Square become war zones
- Music festivals — S2O, Siam Songkran, GCircuit host world-class DJs
- Foam parties — especially on Khao San Road
- Water trucks — driving through streets spraying crowds
- Ice water ambushes — locals set up stations with barrels of ice water
The LGBTQ+ Side
Songkran is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly festivals in Asia. Silom Soi 2 & 4 becomes a massive pride celebration, and GCircuit hosts Asia's biggest gay circuit party.
Why is Songkran Important?
Beyond the water fights, Songkran matters because it:
- Brings families together — it's the one time of year when Thais return to their hometowns
- Preserves Buddhist traditions — temple visits and merit-making remain central
- Drives Thailand's economy — billions of baht in tourism, events, and travel
- Celebrates Thai identity — it's uniquely Thai and a source of national pride
- Promotes inclusivity — everyone is welcome, regardless of nationality, religion, or orientation
Songkran 2026
In 2026, Songkran falls on April 13–15 (Sunday–Tuesday), with many events starting as early as April 10. UNESCO has recognized Songkran as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, adding extra significance to this year's celebrations.
New for 2026: Thailand has lifted the 2–5pm alcohol sales restriction during Songkran. Alcohol is now available from 11am.