The month of April comes the hottest time for Thais. Aside from the sweltering summer heat, this is the month when the famous “Songkran Festival” takes place, from the 13-15 April. But since we all are wet’n wild lovers, we sure celebrate this Thai New Year and turn the street into a gigantic battlefield for water fights over the whole week. Yes, it’s no different for Songkran in 2020! So, choose between the coolest water guns, hose pipes, and even buckets as your weapon in this aquawar. You will definitely get wet during Songkran in Thailand!
Before you load your water gun, don’t forget to discover the traditional side of Songkran with our timeless guide by locals, Songkran Festival: The Ultimate Guide to Thai New Year and Thai Water Festival.
Now that you’re intrigued about this refreshing holiday, let’s find out more about the best places to celebrate Songkran in Thailand. Here are the 5 best places to celebrate Songkran in Thailand in 2020, choose your favourite and head out!
1.) Bangkok
Explore Songkran at its liveliest in Bangkok. Being the capital city, there are surely more places to celebrate Songkran than anywhere else. During the festival, more than half the locals travel back to their hometowns for family reunions. Foreign tourists and local Bangkokians then flock about to enjoy one of the most highly anticipated festivities of the year. Most of the local shops, schools, restaurants, most businesses, and even banks completely shut down except for big department stores. Above all, this is when people from salarymen to students come out to celebrate the Thai holidays. And if you are the nightlife lover, here you can get soaked from dusk till dawn!
Dates: April 13th-15th (Postponed in 2020)
Hot spots: Khao San Road, Siam, Silom Road, RCA, Ratchada Soi 4
For a more comprehensive review of the best places to celebrate Songkran in Bangkok, here are 5 Famous Locations to Celebrate Songkran in Bangkok.
2.) Chiang Mai
Even though Bangkok has the most parties, Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand boasts the wettest out of anyone. This lovely city definitely celebrates the holiday to the fullest, as the religious events held in temples even start from 1st April! Thanks to the ancient moat that surrounds Chiang Mai’s Old City, it has access to an unlimited water source. No doubt, it’s the perfect spot to spray refreshing cold water with water guns, garden hoses and even buckets on a scorching hot day.
If you’re interested in the cultural side of Songkran, don’t miss the main parade marching through Charoenmuang Road on 13th April. Here, you can witness a line of locals carrying Buddha statues. So now, it’s your chance to make merit and get the best luck on this Thai New Year.
Dates: April 12th-16th (Postponed in 2020)
Hot spots: Hot spots: Tha Pae Gate, Three Kings Monument
3.) Pattaya
Party animals, rejoice. Your answer for the best place for a smashing Songkran party is here! Universally known as the Mecca for party lovers, Pattaya hosts the longest Songkran out of anyone in the kingdom (to very little surprise). “Normal” Songkran is celebrated customarily but apparently, that is not enough for Pattaya locals (Old habits die hard, right?). Subsequently, “Wan Lai” is celebrated from the 16-19 April as a 4-day extension to Songkran. So, for those who plan to arrive late on the Songkran scene in 2020 or did not get enough of the fun battle, head to Pattaya on the 19th for splashing-wet experience, and you’ll thank me later!
Dates: April 13th-19th (Postponed in 2020)
Hot spots: Naklua, Jomtien, Pattaya Walking Street, Beach Road
4.) Phuket
One of Thailand’s beach paradise, Phuket definitely deserves a mention in this list. With more than 30 beaches on Thailand’s largest island, you’ll find people celebrating everywhere. For 3 days, the usually serene island resort will turn into a stupendous beach-side party with water gun-wielding party-goers. Believe it or not, the police usually will not hesitate to join in, swapping their firearms for friendlier water pistols for 3 days!
For those looking for things other than water splashing, Phuket hosts a Miss Songkran Beauty pageant, parades and art exhibitions as well.
Dates: April 13th-15th (Postponed in 2020)
Hot spots: Patong Beach, Jungceylon Activity Plaza, Soi Bangla, Phuket Town, Chalong, and Loma Public Park
5.) Khon Kaen
Known as the “Sticky Rice Capital”, this charming northeastern (Isaan) town celebrates Songkran just like any other places in the country. However, what makes Khon Kaen more interesting is the range of activities other than water fights. From petanque competitions, monk alms giving, food fairs, Thai dancing to folk music, you’ll never run out of things to do here. Therefore, if you happen to be traveling to Isaan for the first time, there’s never a better time to savor some local Isaan food!
Dates: April 13th-15th (Postponed in 2020)
Hot spots: Khao Niew Road, Kaen Nakhon Lake
Thailand also provides you with endless activities and cool spots to explore if you get weary from the water battle. So, come join us in this super-fun and refreshing festival of Songkran. Visit Thailand on this special holiday for the most unique experience!