Celebrate Songkran with a Splash! How Thailand Welcomes the New Year 2568.
Authors / photo source: Rohit Sharma/Unsplash.
Summary:
- New Year and the Rainy Season: The Origins of Songkran.
- Water Battles for Good Luck: Songkran Traditions and Rituals.
- Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket: Best Places to Celebrate Songkran 2568.
In Thailand, New Year is celebrated more than once: on January 1st according to the international calendar, and again in April, when Songkran begins. In 2025 (or 2568 in the Buddhist calendar), the festival will take place from April 13 to 15, though in some regions it starts earlier. In Bangkok, the festivities begin on the 12th, and in northern Chiang Mai — as early as the 11th. Songkran is a powerful cultural and spiritual moment — the start of a new cycle, the end of the scorching season, and the first hope for long-awaited rain. All of this comes with water splashes, smiles, and well-wishes.
New Year and the Rainy Season: The Origins of Songkran.
Authors / photo source: Zou Hanzhi/Unsplash.
Songkran has roots in Hindu tradition. The word itself comes from Sanskrit and means “movement” or “transition” — in this case, from one year to the next. The holiday made its way to Southeast Asia from India, adapted to Buddhist traditions, and became an integral part of regional life. The Buddhist calendar is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian one, starting from the moment Buddha Shakyamuni reached Nirvana — that’s the calendar Songkran is tied to. April also marks the end of the hot season in Thailand, which is why Songkran symbolizes not only a new year but also the beginning of the rainy season.
The main symbol of Songkran is water. In the past, it was gently poured over the hands of elders as a symbolic blessing. Today, it’s full-on water fights from head to toe. It’s fun — and meaningful: the water washes away misfortunes, grudges, and anything that holds you back from a fresh start. It also attracts luck and rain — a vital resource in this hot-climate country.
Water Battles for Good Luck: Songkran Traditions and Rituals.
Authors / photo source: 丽丹 雷/Pixabay.
The day before the festival, Thai people do a major house cleaning, getting rid of old items and anything associated with bad energy. In the kitchen, they prepare special dishes for both family and monks. A favorite is larb gai — a chicken salad whose name translates to “luck” in Thai.
On the morning of April 13th, people bring food offerings to temples and leave sand, which monks later use to build ritual stupas (dome-shaped structures). Bathing Buddha statues, receiving blessings from elders, and smearing white clay on the face are all important parts of the celebration. It’s also common to release birds, fish, or turtles as a symbolic gesture of letting go of the past and starting anew.
And, of course, the streets turn into water-war zones. Tourists and locals, kids and adults, on foot, bikes, or in pickup trucks — everyone’s armed with buckets, water guns, and hoses. No one gets upset — if you’re soaked, it means a happy year ahead.
Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket: Best Places to Celebrate Songkran 2568.
Authors / photo source: Picnu/Unsplash.
Patong Beach in Phuket is where the party never stops — even at night. During Songkran, it hosts some of the biggest and loudest water fights in the country. Need a break? Take a 20-minute ride to Tri Trang Beach, a quiet cove with crystal-clear water and fewer crowds.
Pattaya is perfect for those wanting to mix partying with sightseeing. The water fight action here is intense, but there’s more to explore: the Sanctuary of Truth — a 105-meter-tall wooden marvel — is a must-see, and the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is like a living Asian fairytale, complete with orchids, ponds, and giant fish you can feed.
Khao San Road is the heart of touristy Bangkok and the epicenter of water battles. But Thailand’s capital has much more to offer — live music, street food, exhibitions, and traditional rituals in temples. One standout is Wat Ratchabophit, which blends Buddhist architecture with European-style interiors, thanks to King Rama V.
During peak celebrations, taxis and buses are overwhelmed, and the streets turn into watery chaos. Booking an airport transfer gives you comfort, safety, air conditioning (a blessing in 35°C heat), and the peace of mind that you’ll arrive dry and in a good mood. Pre-book your airport transfer for Songkran 2568 and enjoy the festival — stress-free.
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Petrichenko Rimma & Intui travel
