Songkran

The Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai heralds the Thai New Year with a three-day celebration of religious ceremonies marking the beginning of the solar year.

For foreigners, Songkran is best known for being the biggest water fight in the world, when locals and foreigners alike splash water at each other all over the city.

Songkran Festival Chiang Mai 2025 Dates, Water Fight Thailand

The festival generally starts with locals cleaning up around the city. On the morning of the festival’s first day, locals gather to offer food to the monks at the temples. Many locals also travel to the temples for blessing and cleansing ceremonies by pouring water on the Buddha statues. The locals believe that by splashing water, they are washing away sins and cleansing themselves of bad luck.

However, these water cleansing ceremonies have transformed over time to become the huge water fight that takes place today. Only monks, babies, and the elderly are spared, so visitors coming to Chiang Mai during this time should invest in a waterproof bag and get out of it.

The biggest parties occur around Tha Phae Gate, the moat and near the Ping River. This is due to the endless water source, so although it is the most fun place, you WILL be splashed with dirty moat water!

If you do not wish to be splashed during this time, your only option is to remain indoors. You WILL be a target. It is best to leave the scooter at home during Songkran, as the roads are wet and slippery, and it is common for a local to run up to you and dump a bucket of water over you while riding. Even if you take a Songthaew or tuk-tuk, you WILL get wet.

Dress appropriately in comfortable clothing you can walk around in all day whilst wet. Men should ensure they wear a t-shirt or singlet, as walking around shirtless is not appropriate on this religious holiday.

Most stores and services will be closed during this festival, with only 7/11 and some restaurants and bars remaining open.

So buy a super-soaker from any 7/11 (around 300-400 THB) and get out amongst it!

Preparing for Songkran Tips

• Book your Accommodation Early: Songkran is a peak travel period in Thailand, so book your hotel and transport in advance.
• Packing Essentials: Bring a waterproof bag or case to protect your valuables, as streets will be wet. Waterproof phone cases, fast-drying towels, and a small bag for extra clothes are all recommended for the festival.
• Respect Local Etiquette: While Songkran is lively, certain rules are expected, such as not splashing water on monks, young children, and the elderly.
• Stay Hydrated and Wear Sunscreen: With high temperatures and constant outdoor activities, drinking water frequently and applying sunscreen are essential.