Songkran in Thailand

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Thailand. Want to be there? Then make sure you are in Thailand in mid-April. This is because Songkran takes place annually from 13 to 15 April. Officially, the Songkran festival lasts three days, but in practice the celebration often lasts the whole week. Songkran is therefore an official holiday in Thailand where locals are free. For most travellers, the Songkran festival will turn into a big party with lots of music, alcohol and water fights. Only traditionally, Songkran has a very different meaning.

The Songkran festival originated 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’ means ‘displacement’ in Sanskrit and refers to the movement of the sun in the zodiac. The festival revolves around purification, renewal and respect for elders and ancestors. 

Songkran is also known as the water festival. This is because April is the last month of the dry season. According to traditional Songkran, it celebrates that crops can be grown again in May. In addition, people threw bowls of water over each other to wash away the misfortunes of the past year. This way, they can start the new year fresh. This used to be done in private with friends and family.

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

Chiang Mai is known for having the largest and most vibrant Songkran celebrations in Thailand. After all, it is also the city where the Songkran festival originated. The festivities in Chiang Mai often last longer than the official three days. Want to experience Thai New Year in an authentic way? Then we recommend going to Chiang Mai during this period.

Songkran is not just a celebration, it is a feeling. It is the perfect blend of culture, tradition and unprecedented 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! Expected:
 

1. Water fights
   The streets turn into a giant water fest where everyone, young and old, splashes each other with water guns, buckets and even garden hoses. This water fight symbolises washing away bad influences and bringing prosperity. April is the hottest month in Thailand, so the water fight additionally provides much-needed cooling. Win-win!
    
2. Cultural Rituals
   Besides the water fun, Buddhist temples are visited to make offerings and clean Buddha statues with scented water. This ritual represents spiritual purification and renewal. Family members wash each other's hands with scented water as a sign of respect and to ask for blessings.
    
3. Family and Gathering
   Songkran is a time for family and gathering. As such, many Thai people travel back to their hometowns to spend time with their loved ones. Elderly people are honoured by washing their hands with water and giving New Year wishes.
    

Give Songkran If you want to be in Chiang Mai during Songkran, it is important to book accommodation in time. Whether you opt for a luxury hotel or a bed and breakfast. Demand for accommodation during Songkran is high and prices usually shoot up as soon as the event approaches. Tip: Find a hotel in the old town so that you are close to the festivities. For example, near the Thae Pae Gate, you can find a four-kilometre-long water festival with people partying.with Hotelgiftcard!

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 gift 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.