The Songkran festival is almost upon us, and people visiting Thailand for the first time around the middle of April who are unaware of the festival may be in for a surprise.
Traditional Customs of Songkran
Songkarn is a festival celebrating the Thai New Year in accordance with the Theravada Buddhist calendar. It represents an annual renewal and purification. The “New Year” officially starts on April 13 and runs until the 15th. It’s also traditionally held after the rice harvest, giving rural farmers another reason to celebrate.
On Songkran Day or the first day of the festival, Thai people traditionally clean their homes. On Wan Nao, the second day of the festival, many Thai Buddhists head to local temples to build sand chedis (small temples). Thai New Year’s Day is on the 15th, the official final day of the festival, when offerings are left at temples to make merit. People visit their families and friends throughout the three days, take it easy, and enjoy themselves.
However, many people around the world know Songkran only as the world’s biggest water fight. Many tourists descend on Thailand just to participate in the good-natured water fights happening in the streets throughout the country.
The World’s Biggest Water Fight
One of the older customs of Songkran was to symbolically bathe the hands of the family’s elder members. This tradition, combined with the hot weather of April, may have led to Thailand’s fame as the home of the world’s biggest water fight.
The water fights are now a firmly established tradition in Thailand. In the weeks leading up to Songkran, festive tropical shirts are sold next to a wide range of brightly-colored, super-soaker-style water guns in stores around the country. The shirts will be worn while partying and waging battle against other Songkarn celebrants.
Thailand’s water fights are massive, good-natured fun, where everyone on the street is a walking target. Travelers visiting the country to view the water fights should be prepared to get wet, whether they want to or not. However, for many visitors, taking part in the battles is half the fun.
Places in Bangkok to Celebrate Songkran
Visitors who want to explore the traditional celebrations of Songkran are invited to book a room at a convenient Ratchada hotel in Bangkok and head to any local Buddhist wat (temple) in the city. The city’s official opening ceremony is held at Wat Pho, near the Grand Palace, but if you want to see it, please get there early, as it will be very crowded.
Most travelers are simply happy to soak up the festive street atmosphere and celebrations of Songkran. There are two places to go in Bangkok that traditionally host the largest water fights and celebrations.
The first is Khao San Road, where you’ll see hordes of soaking-wet but smiling tourists and locals battling along the street while music blasts from surrounding bars and cafes.
The second is the large plaza outside of CentralWorld on Sukhumvit Road. The water fight action can spill out on to Sukhumvit Road as well as the overhead walkway that leads to the BTS Skytrain.
Tips for Enjoying the Celebrations
No matter how intense the water fights get, they are all in good fun and are generally safe for all ages. However, the same can’t be said about the water sources. Many people drive around in pickup trucks with drums of tap water to use for refilling their water guns. But people on foot typically refill from the nearest water source, which may not be the cleanest. Investing in a pair of swim goggles will keep your eyes from suffering the effects of being drenched by dirty water.
Another thing to invest in is a small, watertight bag for your phone and valuables. If you can’t find a suitable bag, many people have found that stretching a non-lubricated condom over their phone allows them to use the phone while protecting it from water.
Stay at Amanta Ratchada Hotel & Residence Bangkok
Visitors and families who don’t want to miss the fantastic water fights of Bangkok during the Songkran festival should book a spacious apartment-like room at Amanta Ratchada Hotel & Residence Bangkok. Our hotel is conveniently located near the Thailand Cultural Center station of the MRT on Ratchada Road, which provides easy access to the Sukhumvit Road area and gets you within a short taxi ride of Khao San Road.
Our hotel also provides the perfect oasis in Bangkok when you’ve had enough celebrations for the day. You can relax beside the pool or enjoy an evening cocktail in the living area of your accommodation and share the photos you’ve taken of your amazing Songkran experience in Bangkok. Book your room at Amanta Ratchada before the Songkran festival starts!
