Songkran in Bangkok

Whether you plan it or not, if you are visiting the metropolis of Bangkok in April, you are lucky! The Songkran festival takes place all around Thailand as it is the local celebration of the Thai New Year. However, the best experience for the locals without a doubt is Bangkok City. During 4 days in April, starting on the 13th, the city is celebrating the Songkran festival. Keep reading to find out hints and tricks for enjoying Songkran in Bangkok.

Book The Best Located Hotel in Bangkok For Songkran 2026

Songkran is one of the most exciting times to discover Bangkok, and staying at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square puts you in one of the best locations. Book in advance with our Advance Saver and get up to 24% off during Songkran!

Book your stay during Songkran

WHAT IS THE SONGKRAN FESTIVAL?

So you are in Bangkok on April 13th? Do not worry, we have you covered. We will explain everything you need to know about the Songkran Festival.

• Why is the Songkran Festival so important in Thai culture?

• Where are the popular locations to participate in the Songkran Festival?

• What activities can you do in Songkran?

Songkran Festival is a massive water festival celebrated all around Thailand. This cultural event, marked in the Buddhist calendar, marks the beginning of the Thai New Year. With this being said, Songkran has a spiritual meaning, with strong beliefs of cleansing both mentally and your surroundings. What better way of cleansing than getting soaked in water?

The Songkran Festival for Thai families represents a season of joy and happiness. It usually involves visits to the temples and paying respect to the elderly. Kids will kindly pour water on the palms of their seniors as a sign of respect.

On the other hand, if you are not a Thai local, you might be more interested in the splashing games that happen all around the city.

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT CAN I DO AT THE SONGKRAN FESTIVAL?

GET WET! If you are planning to go out, you must be wearing some light clothing, as you most likely will get soaked by locals and tourists.

Don’t worry, the heat in Bangkok at this time of the year is as hot as it gets. So a nice splash of water is not the worst that could happen to you.

Playing water games is easy; there are spots to do this all around the city. Here are some of the best locations to splash some water:

POPULAR LOCATION FOR SONGKRAN IN BANGKOK 2026

• Siam Square:  Siam Square is the preferred spot for families that want to celebrate the Songkran Festival. The friendly environment of this area is perfect for kids, teens, and adults of all ages. At the beginning of the street, you will find the Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square. You can buy water guns and waterproof phone cases just outside the hotel. The deck of La Brioche is a great spot to take a break and observe the splashing scene.

• Central World: Central World is only 10 minute’s walk from the Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square. It is one of the largest shopping malls in Bangkok, and even though you can not splash water inside the shopping mall, they always decorate and arrange the esplanade for people who want to join the Songkran Festival in Central World.

• Khaosan Road:  If you are in your 20s or 30s, Khaosan is your spot. Combine the vibrant walking street full of bars and young people with the Songkran Festival at Khaosan, and you have a party to remember. If you attend the event at Songkran, we recommend having a powerful water gun, a Waterproof phone case, and some cash available.

• Silom:  If you are planning on getting as wet as possible, this is your spot. Take the BTS from Siam Station just outside Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, to Silom Station and enjoy a 5km street full of people packed with water guns. The energy you can feel in the streets is amazing. Get ready to join a splashing war. If you just want to observe and stay as dry as possible, the Silom BTS skywalk is the best spot to take a glance at this event. Silom is well known to be an LGBTQ-friendly area. Wait until dark to join the LGBTQ-friendly event, and you will be able to experience this side of the Silom Area.

Regardless of your age or gender, the Songkran Festival is an exciting experience that you will remember forever.

But the Bangkok Water Festival is not only about splashing water, so

WHAT OTHER THINGS CAN I DO AT SONGKRAN FESTIVAL?

1. Take a tuk-tuk around the city. Tuk-tuks can be expensive, but during Songkran, this is worth the experience. The drivers don’t mind getting wet, and you can interact with people playing on the streets from your car. Be careful and do not splash the driver while driving.

2. Sanam Luang, in the area opposite the Grand Palace and Wat Pha Kaew, has a more respectful way to celebrate the Songkran festival. The Buddha statue “Buddhasihing” is removed from the National Museum on the first day of Songkran and carried along the street so that people can sprinkle it. Onlookers can later pay their respects on the following 3 days, as it is left on display.

3. A visit to Phra Pradaeng District, where you can experience a more cultural Songkran. Join the Raman dances, the ‘saba’ game, the Thai-Raman flag ceremony, and parades.

4. Last but not least, if you are looking for a more spiritual vibe, visit any of the many temples around the City to see and experience the traditional rituals locals perform.

Songkran Festival is an amazing experience you can’t miss if you stay at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square