Songkran

When: 13 - 15 April each year.

Where: Nationwide across Thailand with major public celebrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Cost: Free to watch on the streets, though organised events, food and drinks are charged.

Don’t miss: Morning merit-making at temples and the massive street water fights at Khao San Road and Tha Phae Gate.

Thailand’s Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year and has roots in the Sanskrit term sankranti, a celebration of the solar passage; historically it centered on house cleaning, offerings at temples and the respectful pouring of water over Buddha images and elders.

Today Songkran mixes solemn temple rituals with exuberant public revelry: mornings are for merit-making and family visits at local wats, while afternoons and evenings turn major streets, tourist hubs and city gates into noisy, joyful water fights and parades - in Bangkok and the historic old city of Chiang Mai the scale and atmosphere are especially intense.

Songkran is fixed on the solar calendar and officially runs from 13 - 15 April, with 13 traditionally the start, 14 the peak and 15 the closing day; many locals treat the period as the New Year holiday.

In some provinces, notably in the north around Chiang Mai, celebrations can spill over into a longer festival week with markets, cultural shows and extended temple activities; expect the biggest street scenes in afternoons and evenings.

Main international gateways are Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), with northern access via Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX); reach festival areas by taxi, metro, bus or organized shuttle and plan to arrive at least a day early as domestic travel and hotels fill quickly.

• At temples cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes, and be respectful when participating in ritual water pouring; avoid spraying monks and elders directly.
• Bring a waterproof phone pouch, quick-dry clothes and sturdy sandals or water shoes; carry a small towel and spare socks.
• Streets get slippery and traffic still moves - avoid standing in the road, secure motorbike rentals and keep a safe distance from vehicles.
• Expect hot sun between water fights: use sunscreen, drink plenty of water and pace yourself.
• Book accommodation and transport well in advance, especially in popular areas of Bangkok and Chiang Mai where rooms sell out.
• Keep valuables in a waterproof pouch or hotel safe and be alert for pickpockets in crowded, wet conditions.