When & how it works
When: April 13 to 15 every year. Fixed dates, often with extra local days around them.
Tickets: Free — Free and everywhere. Some clubs and pool parties run separately ticketed Songkran events, but the street celebration costs nothing.
What it is
For a few days the whole country turns into a giant, joyful water fight, layered over the gentler traditions of Thai New Year — cleansing, temple visits and honouring elders.
How to get started
- No ticket needed — just step outside with a water gun.
- Choose your epicentre: Chiang Mai's old-city moat is the wildest, while Bangkok's Silom and Khao San Road are the city hotspots.
- Waterproof your phone and money before you leave the room.
Tickets & where to buy
Free and everywhere. Some clubs and pool parties run separately ticketed Songkran events, but the street celebration costs nothing.
- Where to stay
- Chiang Mai in particular books out for Songkran — reserve early if that's your base.
- First-timer tips
- Everyone is a target, so embrace it. A dry bag for your phone is essential; buy a water gun locally.
- Watch out
- Roads are slippery and chaotic and drink-driving spikes — take extra care getting around during the festival.
Dates move — check before you book
Several of these festivals are tied to Easter or a lunar calendar, so the exact dates shift each year. Confirm the current year's dates and ticket on-sale times from the official source before you book flights.