Thai New Year (Songkran). Thailand’s traditional New Year, is a vibrant national holiday celebrated with water fights, cultural rituals, and community gatherings.
Rooted in Buddhist traditions and derived from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti (meaning “astrological passage”), it marks the sun’s transition from Pisces to Aries, symbolizing renewal. Celebrated annually, Songkran is recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage.
Dates for 2025
In 2025, Songkran will officially take place from April 13 to April 15, with festivities often extending beyond these core days.
Major celebrations, such as Bangkok’s Maha Songkran World Water Festival, are scheduled from April 11 to April 15 at Sanam Luang, while some regions like Chiang Mai may continue festivities up to a week.
The primary water-throwing events typically peak on April 13–14, with April 14 known as Wan Nao, the height of water fights, and April 15 as Thaloeng Sok, the Thai New Year’s Day.
Traditions
Songkran blends spiritual and joyous elements.
Thais clean homes to sweep away bad luck, visit temples to offer alms, and pour scented water over Buddha statues and elders’ hands for blessings.
Water fights, a modern evolution of these rituals, fill streets with laughter as locals and tourists splash each other with buckets, hoses, and water guns.
Parades, beauty pageants like Miss Songkran, and sand pagoda-building add to the festive spirit.
In 2025, expect vibrant events nationwide, including EDM concerts, drone light shows, and cultural performances.
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