When and where
When: 13-15 April (official public holidays)
Rule: Fixed date. Fixed date; some places celebrate longer or later (e.g. Pattaya on 19 April).
Dates can change. Check the current date shortly before your trip with the local organisers or the tourist office.
About Songkran (Thai New Year)
Songkran marks the traditional Thai new year and is the country's biggest holiday. What began as a gentle pouring of water over the hands of elders for blessings has grown into a three-day national water fight. People wash Buddha images, visit temples, honour family and travel home. On the streets water pistols and buckets fly, often with clay or talcum powder. Chiang Mai around the old-city moat and Bangkok at Silom and Khao San Road are the busiest places.
Getting there
Chiang Mai is reached from Bangkok by plane, train or bus; inside the city walk or take a songthaew.
Highlights
- Moat water fights In Chiang Mai the whole old city around Tha Phae Gate is drenched.
- Temple rituals Buddha images are bathed with scented water and monks receive offerings.
- Sand chedis Families build small sand pagodas in temple grounds to make merit.
Tips for Songkran (Thai New Year)
- Wear quick-drying clothes and keep phone and passport in a waterproof pouch.
- Be careful on scooters and expect crowds and packed transport.
- Do not splash monks, elderly people or motorbike riders.
- Book hotels and transport well ahead.
Songkran (Thai New Year) on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
Songkran is celebrated everywhere; the map shows Chiang Mai (Tha Phae Gate). Other famous spots: Bangkok (Silom, Khao San Road), Pattaya (Wan Lai, 19 April), Phuket and Khon Kaen.
Frequently asked questions about Songkran (Thai New Year)
When is Songkran (Thai New Year) in 2026?
Songkran falls in 2026 on 13–15 April and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Chiang Mai, Tha Phae Gate and old-city moat. Rule: 13-15 April (official public holidays). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
When is Songkran (Thai New Year) in 2027?
Songkran falls in 2027 on 13–15 April and is celebrated nationwide; a well-known spot is Chiang Mai, Tha Phae Gate and old-city moat. Rule: 13-15 April (official public holidays). An official or clearly documented source confirms this date.
Where is the best place to see Songkran (Thai New Year)?
Watch it best at Chiang Mai, Tha Phae Gate and old-city moat. In Chiang Mai the whole old city around Tha Phae Gate is drenched. Chiang Mai is reached from Bangkok by plane, train or bus; inside the city walk or take a songthaew. Buddha images are bathed with scented water and monks receive offerings.
Festivals near Chiang Mai, Tha Phae Gate and old-city moat
- Inthakin City Pillar Festival, Chiang Mai 1 km as the crow flies
- Yi Peng (Chiang Mai lantern festival) 1 km as the crow flies
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival 1 km as the crow flies
- Visakha Bucha 8 km as the crow flies
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival 8 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)