It’s always a joyous sight to witness the absolute terror of unsuspecting tourists being doused by buckets of water as they clutch their pearls in the wettest holiday of all: Songkran. I kid. Let’s play safe, folks.
The Thai New Year is actually a period that fosters unity, forgiveness, and prayers for prosperity, even though we miscreants take to the streets drenched in H2O, unloaded from an arsenal of water guns.
The beauty of it all is blending spiritual cleansing with community bonding in April’s unforgiving heat. So, there is plenty of fun to be had, but where and when do you ponder?
Not to fret, ladies and gentlemen, Masala has you covered with a few recommended experiences around town where the water works are in full effect.
This year’s Songkran Festival along the entire stretch of Khao San Road is filled with water balloons, buckets, and water guns, drawing a massive crowd of international travellers who come for its reputation as a non-stop party atmosphere.
With bars and street food stalls lined up, try not to get disoriented by butting DJs playing music across from each other. Get into the thick of it with out-of-towners—water fights and all.
Activities will be open until late from 13 to 15 April.
This Songkran, skip the pavement and head to the shore with the Splash Moon Fest at Columbia Pictures Aquaverse in Pattaya.
From 17 to 18 April, immerse yourself in the high-energy, splash-filled festivities and rotating beats from the likes of DJ Ganesh, DJ Suketu, and even Sunny Leone at this brand new Songkran festival.
Beyond music, the Splash Moon Fest is the perfect combination of sun, splash zones, and a well-loved tourist destination for when you wish to break away from the crowd and enjoy.
Once every year, it’s actually appropriate to rain on one’s parade, with water guns, of course.
While the festivities and water work commence from the start of the week, the Songkran Parade on 14 April shuts down the street completely, so make sure you’re taking public transport like the BTS or MRT.
Located in the more concentrated LGBTQ-friendly zone, Silom Road will be transformed into an aquatic carnival from 1 PM to 9 PM for three consecutive days.
Located in one of the coolest and most delicious streets around and next to Chulalongkorn University, Banthatthong turns into a vibrant, packed avenue of mouthwatering bites, live music and performers, and a giant water tunnel for good measure.
From 12 PM to 11 PM, on 13 to 15 April, take a stroll down Chula Soi 5 for the bites and banter, while you dress yourself in water to keep the heat off.
You can’t live through a holiday period without ICONSIAM playing a role in it.
The Thaiconic Songkran Celebration is back from 10 to 15 April, attempting to deliver a bigger and better event than the last. It’s “go big or go home” as ICONSIAM transforms the River Park space into a play zone, with a nine-metre-high water tower as its centrepiece.
But don’t limit yourself either; the location also enables you to explore around the riverfront for more music, food, and activities.
If you’re searching for a bit of unadulterated, adult fun, with a sprinkle of booze, pool parties around town are abundant.
The Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit continues its Songkran pool party, returning for a 5th anniversary edition, on the 6th floor, opening its doors for party hoppers seeking an international and domestic DJ lineup, pretty people, and absolute vibes.
The W Bangkok, on the other hand, is throwing a Songkran Splash & Stay package—an inner-city escape filled with water, music, and relaxation from 12 to 15 April, with exclusive access to the Songkran Splash Away Pool Party from 13 to 14 April.
And if you’re looking for a vibrant, stylish, and wet-and-wild type of celebration, SO/ Bangkok throws one of the best pool parties around at its rooftop Water Club with an infinity pool, taking place from 13 to 14 April and running from 1 PM to 9 PM each day.