Songkran Festival is an old and traditional festival in Thailand organized between 13 – 15 April of every year according to the old tradition. During the Songkran holidays, people will come out to donate food to monks and make merit en masse. They days will continue with sprinkling fragrant water over Buddha statues and pouring fragrant water onto the hands of one’s family elders for best wishes and good lucks during this new year holiday.
At present, Songkran Festival has become very famous and known among tourists as the “Water Festival”. This is the time when both Thais and foreign visitors are looking forward to, because the beautiful culture such as pouring waters for good lucks and best wishes, sand pagoda making, and the friendly water fight amidst the hot weather in the month of April provide a variety of celebrator activities for foreign visitors who love Thailand’s hot weather. Different region acros the country also have slightly different way to celebrate the festival. But if you are someone who does not want to travel too far, let’s see the must-visit water fight locations here in Bangkok.
- Silom Road is the top hot spot for visitors who like to participate in the famous water fights. This is because the area is easily accessible by both the BTS and the MRT. Most people love to come to enjoy the festive atmosphere in this area, making Silom very crowded and packed during the this time of every year.
- From the Silom road, make a turn into the Patpong Area, a popular tourist attraction among foreign visitors. It is already packed during the normal time and become even more packed during the holidays. This is definitely a must-visit for those of you who want to make friend with foreigners from around the world!
- There’s more. Another equally well-known hot spot is Silom Soi 2, a top favorite among the LGBTQ community. Both Thai and foreign visitors are looking forward to express themselves while enjoying the occasion. This is one of the best attractions in town.
- Another must-visit water festival venue is Siam Square. Siam Square is in fact considered a rather safe place to enjoy Songkran because there are many officers to ensure the safety of the visitors and alcohol prohibition is strictly observed Thus, it provides a good option to teenagers who want to go out and have fund with their friend. Siam Square is not only a venue for water fight during the Songkran Festival. There are also many famous singers and musical artists who participate in the festival on stage every year.
- Right next to Siam Square is Central World, one of the biggest department store in the heart of Bangkok. At Central World, the annual water fight festival is always a huge celebration and often packed with musical artists and band performances every year. The Songkran Festival at Central World is also alcohol-free and relatively safe.
- Experience the Thai way of life and participate in the annual water fight at Asiatique the Riverfront .The Songkran festival here is also organized here every year and usually in a more traditional atmosphere that go well with the ambience along the Chao Praya River. There are traditional performances from different regions across Thailand. In the evening, there are also stage performances by popular musical artists. This is definitely a go-to destination for those who want to have fun and learn more about the Thai culture.
- Icon Siam The current hot spot in the Thonburi district on the western bank of the Chaophraya River. Here, Songkran is a flagship annual celebration. The event here has a more traditional atmosphere with visitors encouraged to wear Thai traditional dresses, making the celebration here a unique experience for both locals and foreign visitors.
- For those who want to experience the super traditional version of the festival, head to Lumpini Park, a public park at the heart of Bangkok. This is a must-visit if you want to experience Thai traditional activities such as making merits and giving alms to the monks, or experience the pouring water onto the hands of the elders for good luck ceremony and see Miss Songkran Beauty Contest. The Songkran festival here is highly recommended for family travelers.
- The best water fight location for the 20+ old party goers is the Ratchada area. People are usually packed at RCA, a large entertainment complex where the famous water fight is held at night. Options are available. Visitors can choose to go to places like ONYX, Aquafest, Route66, or Summer Party. It is relatively safe as there are many security officers present to closely monitor the situation. This is a must-go-to for all party goers.
- For those who are tired with the water fight, escape the crowd and find some foods to recharge your energy at the Ratchada Train Night Market, where you can find all kinds of street food to fill up your hunger. And for those of you who want to do some shopping, this is also a popular area where you can enjoy your shopping as well.
- Merit making ceremony is an essential part of the Thai traditional New Year. A must-visit is the Songkran Festival at Tha Nam Nont (Nonthaburi Pier) where are merit making activities, giving alms to monks ceremony, bathing of Buddhist statue ceremony and the Songkran Beauty Contest. The most important activities of all is the ceremony for pouring water onto the hands of elders for best wishes and good lucks in the New Year.
- Experience Songkran tradition of the Mon people in Koh Kred, Nonthaburi Province. Start your journey by making merits and enhance and enhancing your luck and prosperity at the Poramaiyikawas Temple, which serves as the spiritual center for the Mon / Raman people on Koh Kred. Pray to the white pagoda or Pra Maha Raman Pagoda which is slightly slanted from the eroded ground but still standing. On April 14, there will be “Khao Chae Parade”, another very interesting activity and unique to this area. The Khao Chae of the Raman people has ore side dishes than the royal Khao Chae recipe, such as long bean salad, stir-fried morning glory, stir-fried vegetables with coconut milk. This is a tradition that has been around for almost a hundred years.
For those who have not made a plan to travel abroad or to other provinces during this festival, they can participate in the Songkran Festival at these famous venues. It will be a fun and enjoyable experience. You will also have the opportunity to learn about Thai culture and also help preserve the beautiful tradition of the Thai people.
