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\ud83d\udcf7 Kazuhiro Nakamura<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Songkran takes place annually from April 13th to 15th<\/strong>, though some cities, like Chiang Mai, start celebrations as early as April 12th<\/strong>. As the hottest time of the year in Thailand, the water fights serve as a fun way to cool down while marking the new year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While modern celebrations focus on large-scale water fights, the festival\u2019s roots lie in Buddhist and family traditions. Here\u2019s how locals and visitors celebrate:<\/p>\n Over the years, the festival has evolved into one of the world\u2019s biggest water fights<\/strong>, with streets filled with people armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses. Both locals and tourists take part in the fun, especially in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0Ben Reeves<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Known as Songkran Day, the first day of the festival is an exuberant celebration with processions of Buddha images taking place throughout the country. The Thai people also prepare themselves for the beginning of the New Year by cleaning their houses. More importantly, April 13th is when the water throwing really gets going.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7 Ben Reeves<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Wan Nao is the celebration of the old Thai New Year’s Eve and takes place on April 14th when the sun travels between Pisces and Aires. You can observe one of Songkran’s more formal rituals on Wan Nao as it’s on this day that many Buddhists go to their temples to build sand chedis (a sand castle built to resemble a Buddhist temple).<\/p>\n Celebrated on April 15th, Thai New Year’s Day is the final day of Songkran celebrations in many parts of the country. Offerings are left at temples on this day to ring in the New Year, with plenty of other events also taking place.<\/p>\n The Thai capital celebrates with the Bangkok Songkran Splendours Festival which takes place from April 13th to 15th. The official opening ceremony is held at Wat Pho, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand that’s home to the spectacular gold-plated reclining Buddha. Many other celebrations are held on and around Khao San Road, which is one of the most popular streets in the world for backpackers. Events during the festival include water throwing, the ritual bathing of Buddha images, processions and performances. A tempting array of traditional foods are enjoyed throughout the celebrations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n Chiang Mai is home to one of the country’s biggest Songkran celebrations. The festival here kicks off slightly earlier on the 12th<\/sup> April, with an eye-catching procession around the city. Street food, cultural celebrations and traditional performances remain an important part of Songkran in northern Thailand. Of course, there’s also the customary water throwing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n Plenty! Thailand’s largest island is buzzing with activity during Songkran, especially in the Patong Beach area. Expect gridlocked streets filled with pickup trucks throwing water at locals and tourists alike. Along Bangla Road, which is where you’ll find the liveliest nightspots in Patong, Songkran celebrations continue well into the wee hours. Saphan Hin Park is the main focus of the festivities in Phuket Town. Live music and traditional performances make up part of these hugely enjoyable celebrations.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n Songkran is a hugely important festival to Thai people, but it’s also very popular with visitors and many tourists specifically arrange their holidays around this unique event. Anyone and everyone can and will get involved in the celebrations. If you’re out and about during Songkran, you’re guaranteed to end up soaked but you’ll have lots of fun in the process!<\/p>\n So, if you’re planning a trip to Songkran in Thailand, hopefully this has given you some insight into what makes this event so important and unique, and prepared you for what you can expect from Songkran celebrations throughout the country. Happy water throwing!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n Each day of the festival carries special significance:<\/p>\n This marks the official start of Songkran with grand processions of Buddha images<\/strong> across Thailand. In addition to the first wave of water fights, many Thai families clean their homes as a symbolic way of starting fresh.<\/p>\n This day, when the sun transitions from Pisces to Aries, is the most spiritual day of the festival. Many Buddhists visit temples to build sand chedis<\/strong> (miniature sand pagodas) as an act of merit-making.<\/p>\n The final day of Songkran is marked by temple visits and making offerings to monks. Families come together to celebrate the new year with traditional meals and blessings.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you’re planning to experience Songkran, here are some essential tips:<\/p>\n \u2705 Wear quick-dry clothing<\/strong> \u2013 You will get soaked, so opt for lightweight fabrics.<\/p>\n \u2705 Protect your valuables<\/strong> \u2013 Use a waterproof pouch to keep your phone and wallet safe.<\/p>\n \u2705 Respect local traditions<\/strong> \u2013 While the water fights are fun, remember that Songkran has deep cultural significance.<\/p>\n \u2705 Stay hydrated & use sunscreen<\/strong> \u2013 April is the hottest month in Thailand.<\/p>\n \u2705 Plan your transport<\/strong> \u2013 Traffic can be chaotic, and many roads are closed for celebrations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While Songkran is celebrated throughout Thailand, here are the best cities to immerse yourself in the festivities:<\/p>\n Bangkok hosts the Bangkok Songkran Splendours Festival<\/strong>, with the official opening ceremony at Wat Pho<\/strong>, home to the famous Reclining Buddha. The best areas to experience the celebrations include:<\/p>\n \u27a1\ufe0f Find hostels in Bangkok<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Chiang Mai is known for hosting the largest and longest Songkran celebrations<\/strong> in Thailand. The festival here starts on April 12th<\/strong>, with a vibrant procession around the city.<\/p>\n2. When is Songkran Festival Celebrated?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n3. How is Songkran celebrated in Thailand?<\/h2>\n
Traditional Rituals and Customs<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The Famous Water Fights<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n4. What happens on the first day of the festival?<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n5. What is Wan Nao?<\/h2>\n
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6. When is Thai New Year’s Day?<\/h2>\n
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7. How do people celebrate Songkran in Bangkok?<\/h2>\n
8. Is Songkran celebrated in Chiang Mai?<\/h2>\n
9. What happens in Phuket during Songkran?<\/h2>\n
10. Is the festival just for locals or can anyone get involved?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Songkran Festival Schedule and Key Days<\/strong><\/h2>\n
April 13th \u2013 Songkran Day (First Day of the Festival)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
April 14th \u2013 Wan Nao (Old Thai New Year’s Eve)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
April 15th \u2013 Thai New Year\u2019s Day<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tips for Enjoying Songkran Like a Pro<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best Places to Experience Songkran in Thailand<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Bangkok \u2013 The Heart of Songkran<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Chiang Mai \u2013 The Most Traditional Songkran Celebration<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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