When and where
Next edition: The date for next year is not confirmed yet; the festival is usually held in April.
When: Mid April (around Songkran)
Rule: Lunar calendar. Variable: 2026 officially 16-17 April; 2027 not yet known.
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Bang Saen Wan Lai (Sand Pagodas)
Bang Saen is the beach of locals and students from Bangkok and the surrounding area. During Wan Lai, the postponed Songkran, people build sand pagodas, the traditional way of piling sand as merit-making. Besides this ritual there are water fights, music and many young people. It is almost a student party by the sea, giving it a very different mood from Pattaya.
Getting there
Bang Saen is about 100 km from Bangkok; bus or minivan.
Highlights
- Sand pagodas People build small stupas of sand.
- Student party Many young people and music on the beach.
- Water play Songkran style on the coast.
Tips for Bang Saen Wan Lai (Sand Pagodas)
- Bring waterproof gear.
- The beach is very busy; come early.
- Check local dates.
Bang Saen Wan Lai (Sand Pagodas) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
The location on the map is approximate.
The map shows Bang Saen Beach, site of Wan Lai and the sand pagodas.
Frequently asked questions about Bang Saen Wan Lai (Sand Pagodas)
When is Bang Saen Wan Lai (Sand Pagodas) in 2026?
Bang Saen Wan Lai falls in 2026 on 16–17 April, at Bang Saen Beach, Chonburi. Rule: Mid April (around Songkran). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Bang Saen Wan Lai (Sand Pagodas)?
Watch it best at Bang Saen Beach, Chonburi. People build small stupas of sand. Bang Saen is about 100 km from Bangkok; bus or minivan. Many young people and music on the beach. Highlight: Water play – Songkran style on the coast. Bang Saen is the beach of locals and students from Bangkok and the surrounding area.
What should I bring or wear to Bang Saen Wan Lai (Sand Pagodas)?
Bring waterproof gear. The beach is very busy; come early. Check local dates. Highlight: Sand pagodas – People build small stupas of sand. Highlight: Student party – Many young people and music on the beach. During Wan Lai, the postponed Songkran, people build sand pagodas, the traditional way of piling sand as merit-making.
Festivals near Bang Saen Beach, Chonburi
- Chonburi Buffalo Races 12 km as the crow flies
- Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 40 km as the crow flies
- Pattaya Music Festival 40 km as the crow flies
- Pattaya Wan Lai (Beach Songkran) 40 km as the crow flies
- Luang Pho Sothon Fair (Chachoengsao) 45 km as the crow flies
Also in April
- Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting
- Chakri Memorial Day
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)
- Luang Pho Sothon Fair (Chachoengsao)
- Phra Pradaeng Mon Songkran
- Sangkhlaburi Mon Songkran (Wat Wang Wiwekaram)