Songkran Festival- Thailand’s New Year Water Festival

Songkran, Thailand’s electric New Year celebration, takes centre stage from April 13th to 15th, ushering in the new year according to the traditional Thai calendar. Characterized by joyous water fights, visits to temples, and a profound sense of community, Songkran transcends a single day, officially declared a national holiday on the 13th, but unofficially celebrated for a week, extending festivities from at least a week before the 16th of April.

This period brims with merriment, celebratory customs, and reflection on the passing year. Deriving its name from the Sanskrit word “samkranti” signifying change or transformation, Songkran embodies this essence as Thais welcome the new year with well wishes of “sawatdee pi mai” (Happy New Year). Earning its nickname as the “Water Festival,” the most emblematic feature of Songkran lies in the nationwide water fights. Participants of all ages playfully drench each other with water guns, hoses, and buckets, symbolizing cleansing, renewal, and the washing away of misfortune. Make sure you’re in town in time for these celebrations, and stay at a design hotel in Bangkok close to the celebrations at a property like Jono Bangkok Asok.