Songkran – the wettest festival
Imagine: you’re walking down the street, minding your own business, and suddenly you’re drenched with water from head to toe. In most countries this would be strange at the very least, but not in Thailand in mid-April. Welcome to Songkran – a Buddhist festival that is essentially the Thai New Year. “Songkran” translates from Sanskrit as “transition” or “movement,” symbolizing the transition from the old year to the new. It’s one of the most important holidays in Thailand, when locals visit relatives, go to temples, and… engage in massive water battles.
In 2025, the festival will take place from April 13 to 15: time to prepare and stock up on water guns!
Why does everyone splash water?
Originally during Songkran, it was customary to gently pour water over Buddha statues (a symbolic act of purification) and respectfully sprinkle water on the shoulders of elder relatives to receive a blessing. Over time, the tradition evolved, and today Songkran celebrations have transformed into a total water battle, where everything is used: water guns, buckets, hoses, and fire hoses. No one is safe from being soaked from head to toe – not locals, not tourists, not even police officers. The rule is simple: if you go outside – be prepared to get wet!
How is the festival celebrated?
Day One: Cleaning The first day of Songkran is called “Wan Maha Songkran” – the day of big cleaning. Thais tidy up their homes, throw away old things, and prepare for the New Year. It is believed that this brings luck and prosperity.
Day Two: Food preparation and offerings On the second day, “Wan Nang Dan,” special dishes are prepared for monks and ancestors. Offerings are brought to temples, and families host dinners at home.
Day Three: Water activities The third day, “Wan Talueng Sok,” is the famous day when everyone takes to the streets with water guns and buckets full of water. In Bangkok, entire streets are closed for water battles! In Phuket, water splashing happens everywhere. Water symbolizes washing away all the bad things that accumulated over the past year. So the more you get splashed, the better you are “cleansed.”
Besides water fights, there are other traditions, such as applying talcum powder. So if you not only get soaked with water but also have your face smeared with white talcum powder or clay, know this: it’s a sign of protection from evil. Also during Songkran, it’s customary to build sand pagodas: on beaches and in temples, Thais build miniature pagodas from sand, symbolizing the return of sand to the temple that visitors inadvertently carry away on the soles of their shoes.
There are also unspoken traditions in choosing clothes for this water festival. Most Thais prefer to wear light and bright Hawaiian shirts during Songkran – these are sold literally everywhere on the eve of the Thai New Year celebration.
How Songkran Will Be Celebrated in Phuket
The main festive events in Phuket will take place from April 11 to 14. During these dates, the Songkran Carnival will be held at Central Phuket, and on April 13 in Phuket Town there will be a family celebration called Songkran No Alcohol with musical performances and healthy treats.
Usually in Phuket, Patong Beach becomes the epicenter of events. Other popular places for water battles are Phuket Town, Kata and Karon beaches.
Songkran: How to Stay Dry
Spoiler: you can’t! If you happen to be in Phuket during Songkran celebrations, forget about dry clothes. Well, or just don’t leave your home. And if you still need to go out, take advantage of some life hacks: buy a waterproof case for your phone/cash, a raincoat, or wear clothes that dry quickly (and that you don’t mind getting ruined).
But best of all – relax and enjoy! Don’t be offended when you get soaked (and this will definitely happen) – it’s a sign of respect and a wish for good luck. Participate in the water battles yourself! Buy a water gun, protective goggles (to prevent water jets from getting in your eyes, which happens quite often and is rather unpleasant) and take part in the water battle. Songkran is a very fun and unifying holiday that brings tons of fun and takes you back to childhood!
To learn about other Thai traditions, you can visit the Excursions and Temples sections. And as always, find the best locations in Phuket in our Telegram bot https://t.me/phuket_insider_bot
