Songkran Water Festival in Bangkok

Songkran is Thailand's national holiday that is officially held for 3 days, although the festive celebrations usually last all week. Most office buildings, banks, as well as shops and family restaurants are completely closed during Songkran, but major shopping malls are usually open. During this time, people often return to their hometown to reunite with their families. Instead, tourists from all over will fly to Bangkok to enjoy one of the most festive times of the year.

Songkran is an occasion for family reunions, temple visits and annual house cleaning. Many Thais enjoy their holidays by spending time with family and friends. Traditionally, Thais perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the first day of Songkran, or National Elderly Day. During the ceremony, young people will pour fragrant water into the palms of the elders as a gesture of respect and ask for their blessings.

The 2nd day of Songkran is also known as National Family Day. Families will wake up early and distribute charity items to the monks, then spend time together. An important religious ceremony during Songkran is the "Buddha Bathing" in which Buddhists pour scented water over Buddha statues both at temples and at home. Religious Thais will participate in Buddhist rituals and virtuous activities during the holidays.

Merit is an essential part of Songkran, and visiting the 9 sacred temples during Songkran is considered one of the great merits. In Bangkok, you can visit temples in Rattanakosin area such as Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Suthat Thepphawararam, Wat Chana Songkhram, Wat Boworn, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Rakhang Khositaram, Wat Arun and Wat Kanlaya.

The most attractive and interesting point of Songkran is the water throwing. Traditionally, the Songkran water-throwing ceremony is known to be mostly confined to families, who will pour water over each other to bring good luck and health. But now, it has grown into a much bigger event, people will throw water at each other for no reason. The real meaning behind the water jets is to symbolize washing away all the bad luck of the past year, thereby welcoming the new year with a fresh start. Songkran takes place in mid-April, which is the hottest time of the year in Thailand. So the water festival serves as a great excuse to have fun and cool off from the uncomfortably hot April weather.

The best places to enjoy the Songkran festival in Bangkok:

1. Silom

Silom is known as the place where people gather for the biggest and wildest Songkran celebration in Bangkok. The entire 5km length of this street is lined up in two floors with thousands of young Thais carrying anything that can spray water. If you don't want to get wet, then you should take the BTS skywalk. However, you should still keep any valuables in a plastic bag to prevent them from getting wet. Standing on the elevated walkway of BTS, you can witness the panoramic view of the game. A huge colorful crowd laughs together and throws water. People are really excited to cool down because the sun can reach 40°C.

2. Khaosan

If you're a fanatic and like the idea of a head-to-toe soak in the middle of a wild party, head to Khao San Road. Its entire length is transformed into a water battleground, and once you join, you certainly won't be able to leave dry suit. There are police checkpoints set up at both ends of the street to collect bottles, cans or anything that can hold water.

If you don't want to participate in the water throwing, you can buy your favorite wine or drink at one of the many bars open throughout the festival, some of which have DJs and dancing platforms.

3. Phra Pradaeng . District

If you prefer a more traditional Songkran, head to the Phra Pradaeng district, where Thai-Raman communities celebrate their traditional Songkran. Here, celebrations take place about a week later than central Bangkok and they are full of cultural significance.

Not only will you be splashed here, but you will also be able to enjoy a variety of cultural activities, such as the Thai-Raman flag raising ceremony, traditional saba game, Raman dance, boat race, float parade flowers and many other activities.

4. Sanam Luang

A sacred celebration was held at Sanam Luang, opposite the Royal Palace. On the first day of Songkran, Buddhasihing Buddha is taken out of the National Museum and carried along the streets for people to water.

The Buddha is then placed there for 3 days, so those who missed the Buddha procession can still pay their respects. Another meritorious custom in Bangkok is to build stupas out of sand and then decorate them with colorful flags and flowers. You can see these sand stupas in the Rattanakosin area.

A Miss Songkran Beauty pageant is usually held in the Wisutkasat area during Songkran, accompanied by merit-making, parades and other fun activities. Food as usual is also a highlight of the holiday season with a variety of seasonal delights available in hotels, restaurants and from street vendors. You can find special Songkran menus at some hotels and restaurants to enjoy.