Songkran in Thailand

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year and one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Thailand. Want to experience it? Then make sure you are in Thailand by mid-April, as Songkran is celebrated from 13 to 15 April every year. Although the festival officially lasts for three days, in practice it is often celebrated for a whole week. Songkran is an official holiday in Thailand, during which locals are free. For many travellers, Songkran is a big celebration full of music, alcohol and water fights, but traditionally the festival has a deeper meaning.

The Songkran festival has its origins in the city of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand. Songkran marks the beginning of the new year according to the Thai solar calendar. The word ‘Songkran’ comes from Sanskrit and means ‘displacement’, referring to the movement of the sun in the zodiac.

The festival revolves around purification, renewal and respect for elders and ancestors. April is also the last month of the dry season, and traditionally Songkran was celebrated to mark the arrival of the rainy season and the opportunity to grow crops. People used to throw water over each other to symbolically wash away the misfortunes of the past year so that they could start the new year fresh. This was often done in private with friends and family.

Songkran is celebrated all over Thailand, from major cities to most islands. Some cities and regions are known for their special and lavish celebrations, including Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Ayutthaya, Khon Kaen and Hua Hin.

Chiang Mai is known for having the biggest and most vibrant Songkran celebrations in Thailand. As such, it is the city where the Songkran festival originated. In Chiang Mai, the festivities often last longer than the official three days. If you want to experience Thai New Year in an authentic way, Chiang Mai is the place to be.

Songkran is an amazing experience. It is the perfect blend of culture, tradition and uninhibited revelry. It is a time of purification, renewal and connection. Don't miss this unique opportunity to take part in one of the most special and joyous celebrations in the world! What to expect.

• Water fights
  The streets turn into a gigantic water fest where young and old wet each other with water guns, buckets and even garden hoses. This water fight symbolises washing away negative influences and bringing prosperity. And since April is the hottest month in Thailand, the water fight also provides much-needed cooling. A win-win situation!

   

• Cultural rituals
  Besides the water fun, people visit Buddhist temples to make offerings and clean Buddha statues with scented water, representing spiritual purification and renewal. Family members wash each other's hands with scented water as a sign of respect and to ask for blessings.

   

• Family and gathering
  Songkran is a time for family and gathering. Many Thai people therefore travel back to their native villages to spend time with their loved ones. Elderly people are honoured by washing their hands with water and exchanging New Year wishes.

If you want to stay overnight in Chiang Mai during Songkran, it is important to book your place to stay on time, whether you choose a luxury hotel or a bed and breakfast. Demand for accommodation is high and prices usually rise as the event approaches. Tip: Choose a hotel in the old town so that you are close to the festivities. Near Thae Pae Gate, you'll find a four-kilometre-long water fest with people partying.

Do you have a Hotelgiftcard lying around at home and can't wait to be in Chiang Mai during Songkran? With a Hotelgiftcard, you can stay overnight at countless accommodations in Chiang Mai. Thanks to the versatility of the Hotelgiftcard, you can flexibly choose from numerous options to suit your budget and needs. Be on time though, so you can enjoy this special celebration carefree!

Want to give someone this meaningful holiday in faraway Thailand? Then a Hotelgiftcard is a cool and convenient gift. After all, with the Hotelgiftcard, the recipient can easily book comfortable accommodation in impressive Chiang Mai. No Thailand this year? No problem. Hotelgiftcard is valid for two years and can be redeemed at over 600,000 accommodations worldwide. Our tip to make this gift even more festive: in addition to the Hotelgiftcard, add a personal message and a good bottle of wine.

The best way to travel from the UK to Chiang Mai for Songkran is by flying. Since there are no direct flights, you’ll need to fly from London to a major Asian hub, such as Bangkok, Singapore, or Doha, and then take a short domestic flight to Chiang Mai. This option is the fastest and most convenient, with a total travel time of around 14-17 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Bangkok and take a scenic train or bus to Chiang Mai, which is a cheaper but longer journey. Booking early is key, as both flights and accommodations fill up quickly during Songkran.