While Western countries celebrate New Year on the 1st of January, Thailand and many more countries in Southeast Asia ring in the New Year in April. Known as Songkran, the festivities also last longer than a single day, making it one of the biggest and most exciting festivals each year!
At Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, we observe Songkran like everyone else as a fresh start. And we would know a thing or two about fresh starts, since we rescue elephants from captivity and give them a new lease on life! We are leaders in ethical wildlife tourism in Thailand and welcome people to join our Phuket Elephant Tours and Activities.
If you’re interested in learning more about celebrating New Year’s in Thailand, read our guide to Songkran below. If you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
What is Songkran?
Songkran is not only a celebration of the New Year, but a time for families to reunite and for people to pay their respects to their elders and Buddha. It’s celebrated on 13 April every year, corresponding with the movement of the sun into Mesha, or the ram sign. Festivities typically take place between the 13th and the 15th of April, which are national holidays, but can continue for even longer. In 2024, festivities continued for an entire month!
Songkran has been celebrated for centuries and is an integral part of Thai culture, with many people traveling home to celebrate with their families every year. In 2023, UNESCO inscribed Songkran in Thailand on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
How is Songkran Celebrated in Thailand?
Songkran is famed for its water fights! Water plays an essential role in the festivities, representing cleansing and washing away misfortunes. People take to the streets armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses, and spray each other in water. This is not only a chance to start afresh, but to cool down since April is the hottest month in Thailand!
During the festival there is also food, games, and music. However, it’s not only a time for revelry, but reverence. Scented water is also sprinkled on statues of Buddha and on the hands of elders as a sign of blessing, a practice known as Rod Nam Dum Hua. Merit-making is also a major activity during Songkran, with people giving alms, performing acts of kindness, and visiting temples. Over this period, families clean out their homes as well to start anew.
Where Can You Celebrate Songkran in Thailand?
Songkran is not only a celebration for locals, but has become an attraction for visitors who want to take part in the festivities. Celebrations are held across Thailand, but some areas have bigger festivities than others, many of these in the larger cities. The festivities also alter depending on location, so you can choose where to go based on your interests.
Here are some of the main places you can go as part of your travels to Thailand:
- Bangkok: Thailand’s capital sees some of the biggest water fights in the country. During Songkran, Khao San Road and Silom Road are at the center of the action. These streets become doused with water as people flock here from all over the world, with DJs providing music for the lively scene.
- Chiang Mai: In Chiang Mai, you can expect plenty of water fights along with some special processions. For Songkran, locals lead a parade of Buddha images and statues and perform to traditional music. During this time, the Water War Chiang Mai music festival is also held.
- Pattaya: In recognition of Songkran, Pattaya hosts the Wan Lai Festival which extends celebrations for a week. Wan Lai is one of the biggest water fights in all of Thailand, so be prepared to be soaked if you come here for the New Year!
Phuket: Here in Phuket, Songkran is one big celebration. All across the island, the streets and beaches are teeming with revelers. Patong Beach and Bangla Road in particular throw huge parties with live music, DJs, and entertainment, taking the usual nightlife to the next level. You can find out more about this famous corner of Phuket with our Guide to Patong Beach.
Celebrate New Beginnings at Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve
If you need a break from all the festivities or some time to dry off, there’s no better way to continue celebrating than at Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve. As a sanctuary for previously captive elephants, we are all about fresh starts. To learn more about our resident elephants and their care and conservation, you can join our 90-Minute Elephant Adventure in Phuket or our Half-Day Elephant Adventure in Phuket, which also includes a Thai cooking class.
By supporting ethical tourism in Thailand, you’ll truly be embracing a new beginning, one that is better for both animals and people. If you have any questions about tours, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
