Songkran festival, the traditional Thai New Year, is celebrated from April 13 to April 15 every year. It is also widely known as the Water Festival, which originated from Thai Buddhist traditional rituals of pouring water over Buddha statues to seek blessings, and pouring water over the hands of monks and elders by the younger Thais to show respect. Over time, Thai people began splashing water on each other to wash away misfortunes and sins to make a fresh start for the new year. The traditional Thai New Year ritual has since evolved into popular mass water fights which are the epitome of fun and a great way to cool down during the hottest month of the year, and have attracted tourists from every corner of the world to travel to Thailand to partake in the Songkran festivities.
Songkran is celebrated all over Thailand, with the biggest events and parties held in major cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, and popular beach destinations such as Koh Samui and Pattaya.
After a long halt in Songkran festivities caused by the pandemic, 2023 is the year Thailand will see a return of the famous water fights along the streets. Tourists from all over the world will no doubt return to Thailand with a vengeance to be part of the happy wet wars. Here are some tips on what to prepare for playful water fights and merrymaking of the Songkran Festival in Thailand：
1. Water guns to join in the ultimate fun. They are sold everywhere in Thailand during Songkran season.
2. Goggles to protect your eyes from the water sprayed or splashed on you.
3. Waterproof bag for your mobile phones and other valuables such as cash and credit cards.
4. Waterproof makeup that will stay on and keep you looking good.
5. Sunscreen to protect yourself from the scorching sun rays.
6. Comfortable and quick-drying clothes.
7. Extra clothes and towel in a waterproof bag, so that you can dry yourself and change into fresh clothes for your next engagement after you are done with the water fights.
With our introduction to the Songkran Festival and tips on what to prepare for the celebrations, we hope you have been inspired to visit Thailand. For more recommendations on what to do around Thailand, visit https://tourismthailand.sg/ or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.