Songkran is one of the most awaited festivals in Thailand. It’s getting more attention than before, after the festival was featured in The White Lotus Season 3. In episode 4, Laurie, Kate and Jaclyn join a public water fight in Koh Samui during Songkran.
Considered traditionally as the Thai New Year, the three-day festival that turns the country into a big water fight platform is celebrated annually on the 13-15 April, but sometimes it can go on for a whole week.
Around this time, the Thais bathe their Buddha statues with scented water, pour water on the elderly and senior monks’ hands for good luck, make sand pagodas in some parts of the country, clean their houses and, of course, splash each other (even strangers!) with water using buckets or water guns to wash away last year’s misfortunes.
While the whole country is soaked in anticipation for this festival, every town has their own unique way of commemorating the feast and, here, we share with you some of the best places to hit up during Songkran week.
#1 Koh Samui
People usually head to Koh Samui for some peace and tranquility amidst the beautiful, blue seas. During Songkran, the famous destination turns wild with street water fights throughout the day, pickup trucks driving around with ice cold water-filled open cargo area (and anyone is welcome to jump in). Numerous parties are held by the beach and at some Koh Samui venues to celebrate the New Year!
Top spots to visit during the water festival include Chaweng Beach Road, which is thronged with lively restaurants and beach clubs that you can visit before or after getting drenched in a water fight.
However, for those who are looking for some quiet time during this week, you can opt to book your own chic villa, where you can celebrate Songkran with a lovely dip in your private pool or beach.
We’ll recommend pool villas like The View for a splashing good time away from the crowds. Sit back, relax and admire the views with your loved ones, in the privacy of this exquisite 6-bedroom property, which has its own saltwater infinity pool, a fully-equipped gym and a massage sala.
If you are travelling with a group of party people, we say go all out and book properties like Villa Veha, which is made for celebrations. The 8-bedroom villa in Bangrak has everything and more: this includes an infinity pool with a Jacuzzi area, home theatre, spa and Finnish sauna, as well as an entertainment den with a bar, foosball and pool table.
#2 Phuket
If you think Phuket is wild, wait until you see it during Songkran festival. Aside from the usual water fights and ice-cold water-filled pick-up trucks driving around, the island also turns into one big beach party with numerous parades and street parties along Patong beach.
But if you prefer to have your own private pool party, we think you’ll love Sava Beach Villas. Located just 20 minutes away from Phuket International Airport, this exclusive estate comprises beachfront villas as well as villas with pool or ocean-facing rooms.
Infinity pools and a huge and varied mix of amenities await. These include pool tables, Mah Jong, board games and even a children’s playground to keep the little ones entertained!
#3 Chiang Mai
No doubt, Chiang Mai serves up the best activities during the Songkran festival. Apart from the prerequisite splashing of water on yourself and others, the province also holds the biggest parades and longest water fights (can last up to seven days) during the season.
By day, people visit the temples to make Pra Chedi Sai (or sand castles), watch the Phra Buddha Sihing and Kang Chong processions, as well as gather at Chiang Mai’s moat for some good ol’ water fights, as well as yummy street food. At night, cap off the day with some drinks at Rise bar (which also offers amazing views of the town, by the way) or sample the local flavours at the Jarid Restaurant or Anantara’s famous The Restaurant.
#4 Bangkok
The Thai capital is usually quiet during Songkran festival as most of the residents travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families and loved ones. While we must also warn you about the traffic on the first days of the festival, that doesn’t mean that the city is no fun during Songkran. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Apart from the water fights that transpire in Silom and Khao San Road, several Bangkok hotels also offer special Songkran menus that will have your taste buds tickled in no time.
#5 Hat Yai (Midnight Songkran, anyone?)
Hat Yai is a rather fun town located on the border of Malaysia and Thailand. And it’s even more fun come Songkran. During the festival week, Malaysians often join in the craziness and indulge in the town’s wild water fights (also known as the Midnight Songkran) for a whole week, with parties lasting until the next day. Our advice? Come prepared with your water guns, buckets, goggles and swimwear because the Songkran party on Hat Yai’s Niphat Uthit Road is not for the faint-hearted.