BangkokFestivalsHolidaysThailand

Songkran 2023: A Guide To Thailand’s Iconic Festival

Are you intending to head to Thailand for Songkran 2023? You might be aware of the water fights on the streets, but there’s a deeper meaning to them.

Songkran marks the Thai New Year and is a unique and vibrant celebration. Over a period of three days, the streets of Thailand are livelier than usual.

 

How Songkran is Celebrated

Traditionally, Thais visit local temples to offer food to Buddhist monks in the morning. Next, they’ll pour water on the Buddha statues, as well as the young and elderly, as part of a traditional ritual. This ritual symbolises the washing away of bad luck and sins.

Songkran 2023
via Dis da fi we on Creative Commons

People usually take this time to gather with family members and pay respect to their ancestors. This holiday is widely known for its water fights. Traffic is closed on major streets and people take turns splashing water on each other.

Songkran 2023
via Mr. JK on Shutterstock

In addition, there are traditional parades where contestants don traditional Thai clothing (chut thai) and compete for the title of “Miss Songkran”. The festivities continue into the night, with performances and parades. It’s definitely worth a visit to Thailand to take part in this one-of-a-kind festival!

 

Where to Go

Songkran 2023
via Duck Man on Unsplash

Although Songkran is celebrated across the country, you’ll find that it differs slightly according to region. Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is where the most happening parties happen. If you’re looking for something more cultural and less intensive, you might want to head to Chiang Mai, where festivities happen mostly at the city’s Buddhist temples.

Alternatively, consider joining this exclusive Songkran Festival day tour with a professional tour guide bilingual in English and Chinese. Over the course of 11 hours, visit religious places such as Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, the first Western-style church in Thailand, and Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya’s oldest temple.

Afterwards, celebrate Songkran 2023 with elephants, Thailand’s national animal. Elephants represent strength, loyalty and longevity. Additionally, it is believed that walking under an elephant brings luck. Join in the festivities with the elephants in Ayutthaya, which will splash water on visitors to bless them.

 

Songkran Festival in Phuket: The Ultimate Pool Party

Songkran 2023
via KKday supplier

Phuket is home to stunning beaches with clear waters and its incredible night scene. Get ready to let loose at Andamanda Phuket’s ultimate pool party. Dance from evening till nightfall with only the best names in EDM. With performances by top-tier names like TIESTO, OWNBOSS, LUCAS & STEVE, LIU, and others, you’ll definitely have a blast.

If your stamina is up to it, you can even spend a thrilling afternoon at the water park before partying the night away.

 

Prepare for your Thailand Trip

Tags: