Songkran Water Festival 2027

What Songkran is

Songkran is the Thai New Year, held each year on 13 to 15 April. The name derives from a Sanskrit term for the sun’s passage into Aries, but the festival itself has become something distinctly Thai: the world’s largest water fight. Expect drenching, laughter, and a genuine sense of collective celebration that cuts across age, nationality, and social class.

The ritual origin is gentler — water was poured over the hands of elders and across Buddha images as a gesture of cleansing and blessing to welcome the new year. Over generations that gentle act expanded into full-scale street battles involving water guns, buckets, pickup trucks with barrels, and garden hoses. The spirit of goodwill is still there; it’s just wetter.

Where to celebrate in 2027

Chiang Mai is the most celebrated location. The old city’s moat — a square canal that runs around the ancient walls — becomes the epicentre. Water battles along the moat road run enthusiastically from early morning until evening for the full three days, and often beyond. We recommend the stretches near Tha Phae Gate and the north and east sides of the moat.

Bangkok goes large along Silom Road and Khao San Road, with stages, music, foam cannons, and some of the most densely packed street battles anywhere. Silom on 14 April draws a particularly festive, mixed crowd. Centralworld also runs its own stage event.

Phuket and Pattaya run multi-day celebrations with their own street parties and beach events, popular with visitors already on the coast.

What to expect

From around 10am on 13 April, anywhere near the festivities is an active water zone. Pedestrians, tuk-tuks, songthaews — nothing is off-limits. Anyone stepping outside should expect to be soaked repeatedly.

Practical preparation for Songkran 2027:

• Waterproof your phone. A waterproof case is available at 7-Eleven and markets for 50–150 THB. This is non-negotiable.
• Wear quick-dry clothes. Avoid white. Anything you care about should stay at the hotel.
• Travel light. Pockets fill with water fast. Keep cards, cash, and keys to a minimum.
• Protect any serious camera. Leave it behind unless it’s in a fully waterproof housing.

Water guns are sold everywhere in the days before the festival for 50–250 THB depending on size. Joining a pickup truck that has a barrel of water in the back is a tradition — locals will wave you on board.

The quieter side of Songkran

Beyond the street battles, Songkran has a cultural dimension worth seeking out. Temples across Thailand hold bathing ceremonies for Buddha images, and families gather for rod nam dam hua — the pouring of water over the hands of parents and grandparents as a mark of respect and blessing. Many Thais travel home to their family provinces for this reason, which means Bangkok quietens in residential areas even as its tourist zones fill.

In Chiang Mai, the grand procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing — a highly venerated Buddha image carried through the old city streets on 13 April — draws large, respectful crowds. It’s worth witnessing before the water fighting begins in earnest.

Planning your trip

Both Bangkok and Chiang Mai are well connected by domestic flights, and the overnight sleeper train between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is comfortable and practical. See our Bangkok to Chiang Mai guide for transport breakdowns, travel times, and booking tips.

Accommodation books out weeks in advance around Songkran — this is one of the peak travel periods of the year. Lock in your hotel and transport at least six to eight weeks before 13 April.

Extending your visit? Browse Chiang Mai tours and activities on GetYourGuide — temple circuits, elephant sanctuaries, cooking classes, and mountain treks are all well-suited to the hot, dry April weather in northern Thailand.