Every year from 13 to 15 April, Thailand transforms into a huge party zone – it’s Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year. What was once a quiet celebration to honour the family and purify for the new year has now become one of the most famous and wildest water festivals in the world. Millions of people, including many tourists, flock to the major cities to take part in the spectacular water fight.
During Songkran, Thais can often be seen driving through the streets on pick-ups or scooters, armed with large water pistols to spray others. This spontaneous water fight is an integral part of the festival and provides plenty of fun and laughter.
In many shopping centres in Thailand, Buddha figures or statues of the water goddess are set up at the entrance. Visitors have the opportunity to pour water over the shoulders of the statues using a small container. This ritual symbolises purification and blessing and is a traditional gesture during the Songkran festival. It is a way to meet the new year with good wishes and positive energy.
Weeks before the festival, you can see colourful shirts in shops and on people everywhere, a clear sign that Songkran is just around the corner.
But Songkran is more than just a fun festival. It has a deep cultural meaning and symbolises purification, happiness and new beginnings.
The modern way to celebrate Songkran
In cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket, Songkran has long been more than just a traditional festival. The streets are transformed into huge water fight arenas where people attack each other with water pistols, buckets and hoses. DJs play music, foam parties take place and there is an exuberant atmosphere everywhere. Especially on Khao San Road in Bangkok or in the old town of Chiang Mai, people party like there’s no tomorrow.
But it’s not just the locals who are enthusiastic – thousands of tourists travel to Thailand every year to experience this unique event. For many, diving into a huge water fight in tropical temperatures of over 30 degrees is a highlight of their holiday.
Water pistols – an absolute must-have during Songkran
Water pistols are an absolute must during the Songkran festival! They are one of the central elements of the festivities and provide plenty of fun. Even before the festival begins, Thais and tourists equip themselves with colourful and powerful water pistols, which are available in various sizes. The aim? To spray water at others, be it in the streets, during the parade or at the street parties.
It’s about celebrating together and simply leaving everyday life behind. It’s almost impossible to really get involved in the festival without a water pistol.
Powder on the face as a symbol of a new beginning
During the Songkran festival, Thais people may suddenly come up to you and smear powder on your face. This tradition is part of the celebrations and has a deeper meaning: it symbolises purification and blessing for the new year.
This powder is usually a mixture of rice powder or white cornflour and is mixed with water to form a paste.
The meaning behind the water fun
Despite the party atmosphere, Songkran still has a deeper meaning. Water symbolises purification and new beginnings. Traditionally, the Thais pour water over Buddha statues. In many families, it is customary for younger family members to gently pour water over their parents‘ or grandparents’ feet to show respect and wish them blessings for the New Year.
Meaning of the name ‘Songkran’
The name ‘Songkran’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Sankranti’, which means ‘transition’. It symbolises the transition into the new year and the beginning of the traditional Thai solar year. The term ‘solar year’ describes a year that is calculated according to the course of the sun. In Thailand, the traditional New Year, Songkran, is based on a calendar that takes into account the movement of the sun. Therefore, the Thai New Year falls at a different time to the Gregorian New Year.
Therefore, Thailand is not in the year 2025, but in the year 2568, as the Thai calendar is 543 years ahead.
Thungsa Devi – The Songkran Lady of Rain
There is a special figure at the Thai Songkran festival. She is not the centre of attention, but she plays an important role. Thungsa Devi, the ‘Lady of the Rain’. This legendary personality is inextricably linked to Thai culture and the festive ceremonies surrounding the water festival.
The legend of Thungsa Devi
Thungsa Devi, a goddess from Buddhist mythology, is worshipped as the protector of rain. Her name is made up of ‘Thungsa’ (translated as ‘rain goddess’) and ‘Devi’ (which means ‘goddess’ in Sanskrit). According to legend, Thungsa Devi was responsible for ensuring the harvest in Thailand by sending the rain that nourished the rice fields. Especially in April, during the Songkran festival, she is honoured in numerous temples and festivals.
People believe that Thungsa Devi will bring them good luck if they welcome the rain and celebrate happily. In many regions of Thailand, it is customary to worship Thungsa Devi during the water battles, seeing the rainwater as a symbol of new beginnings and fertility. Her worship is closely linked to the wish for prosperity and a successful rice harvest.
Thungsa Devi and her symbolic meaning
Thungsa Devi is often described in stories as a gentle, caring yet powerful goddess who keeps nature in balance. During the Songkran festival, it is customary to think of her while pouring water on Buddha statues or blessing elderly relatives with water. These water rituals symbolise the request for protection and prosperity for the coming year.
The connection between the goddess of rain and the Songkran water battle is therefore not a mere tradition, but a deeply spiritual act in which the rain is not only seen as a physical phenomenon, but also as a divine gift.
Thungsa Devi in modern celebration culture
Today, Songkran has developed into a global event celebrated by people from all cultures. Although the spiritual significance has been lost for many, the worship of Thungsa Devi remains in traditional rituals and ceremonies. In more rural areas and in temples committed to older customs, she continues to be worshipped as a source of rain and prosperity.
In some regions, there are processions in which statues of the goddess are carried through the streets. People pray to her to ask for the blessing of rain for a good harvest and to free themselves from the burdens of the past year.
The best places to celebrate Songkran
Songkran is celebrated all over Thailand, from small villages to large cities. While water is splashed all over the country to welcome in the New Year, the celebrations in some places are particularly spectacular.
Bangkok: The famous Khao San Road is the epicentre of the party. The water festival also rages on Sukhumvit Road and along Silom Road.
In Bangkok, one of the big Songkran parades starts at Phan Fa Lilat Bridge and travels along Ratchadamnoen Avenue. This colourful procession includes elaborately decorated floats representing the different regions of Thailand and traditional dancers in magnificent costumes.
Another special highlight takes place in the Phra Pradaeng district, which is known for its close connection to Thai monk culture.
Another key attraction of Songkran in Bangkok is the big event on Sanam Luang, directly in front of the Grand Palace. Visitors can expect a spectacular programme of cultural performances from all regions of Thailand, including traditional dances, music and plays.
A special experience is the evening concert, where well-known Thai artists perform and create an exuberant atmosphere. Another absolute highlight is the breathtaking drone show, which lights up the sky with impressive lighting effects and complements the festival in a modern way.
Songkran isn’t just about water fights—it’s so much more.
Chiang Mai: In the old town, people celebrate around the city moat. Here it is particularly popular to draw water directly from the moat and drag it along the streets.
Pattaya & Phuket: Both cities are known for their wild parties. Bangla Road (Phuket) and Beach Road (Pattaya) are particularly popular.
Tips for an unforgettable Songkran experience
Waterproof bag: Your mobile phone and money should stay dry.
Light clothing: You’ll get soaking wet – so wear something that dries quickly.
Show respect: Not everyone wants to be splashed with water, especially monks, older people and small children.
Sun cream and waterproof glasses: So that you are protected from the sun and don’t get water in your eyes.
The best New Year’s wishes in Thai
‘Sawadi Pi Mai Ka’ (or ’Sawadi Pi Mai Krap for men) is a polite and correct way to wish someone a Happy New Year.
‘Suk San Wan Songkran’ – Happy Songkran Festival
‘Khor Hai Mi Khwam Suk’ – May you be happy
‘Khor Hai Chok Di’ – Good luck
The downsides of Songkran
In recent years, there have been discussions about the impact of Songkran on the environment, particularly due to the enormous water consumption and plastic waste generated during the celebrations. Efforts are being made to promote more sustainable celebration options.
During Songkran, the number of road accidents in Thailand increases due to increased alcohol consumption and people partying. The Thai government therefore organises safety campaigns every year to reduce the number of accidents and raise awareness of safe driving.
Many Thais take a holiday during Songkran week to travel to their families and celebrate the New Year together. Travelling in Thailand during this time requires a lot of patience. This is particularly essential in Bangkok, regardless of whether you are travelling by bus, train, car or plane. In this metropolis of millions, there is often the threat of gridlock during this time.
Good to know
Songkran is an official bank holidays in Thailand. Many shops, banks and public institutions remain closed during the celebrations. From 13 to 15 April, Thai people all over the country celebrate and spend time with their families.
For the Thai people, Songkran has a similar significance to Christmas in Europe. It is the most important time of the year when everyone comes together.
During Songkran, many Thais pray for good luck in the new year, visiting temples to make offerings and ask for blessings. It’s a time to seek prosperity, health, and happiness, hoping the new year brings fresh opportunities and positive energy.
Songkran means that water splashes everywhere. If you leave your house or hotel, you won’t get through the streets dry. Water fights are simply part of the festival – so it’s best to be prepared to get wet.
An important tip from personal experience: It’s a bad idea to combine shopping with Songkran fun. After a water fight, you shouldn’t go straight to a mall or pharmacy where the air conditioning is set to an icy 20 degrees. It can be incredibly uncomfortable to walk through the aisles freezing in wet clothes.
Watch out during water fights: Things can get super slippery on wet ground at water fights or foam parties. Regular pool slides or flimsy flip-flops aren’t the best idea — they slip around and don’t give much support. You’re better off with flip-flops that have a good grip or sandals that stay firmly on your feet.