What is Songkran in Thailand?

Songkran is a Thai word that means "movement", or "astrological transition" comes from Sanskrit word. People also known as Thailand's Splashy New Year and Thai New Year Festival and celebrate in every mid of April. In 1989, the Thai cabinet fixed Songkran at 12–14 April of every year. Then it becomes to national holidays. It is also called Thailand Water Festival. It is also recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The correct name for this period is Maha Songkran ('great Songkran). Songkran is very popular and full filled with Joynes's so tourists around the world come to Thailand and participate exactly. This kind of new year celebration takes place nearly at the same time around the Asian counties like Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. 

How do people celebrate within Songkran?

Water Festival: As people know as Water Festival, especially young people celebrate water fight: people throw water to another people using with water bucket and water gun. Songkran is not just a water fight; it's a deep-rooted cultural event that reflect the Thailand's cultural heritage. Even young people fight with water guns and buckets, some traditional culture only splashes the water to superiors with fragrance respectfully. One exact thing that we can figure it out with Songkran is a water festival that soaks the country in water, smiles, and cultural richness every April.

Rod Nam Dum Hua Ceremony: Rod Nam Dum Hua is traditional Thai ceremony pouring scented water to the elder's hand showing their respect with gratitude words. After the water-pouring ritual, elders give words of wisdoms and blessing. The elders forgive everything's to young people and give well wishes for good health, happiness, and success in the coming year. Some elders even give the pocket money for their youngers. Many families visit to their families with small gifts and gratitude.

Buddhist Rituals: People visit temples, offering food to monks, and pouring water over Buddha statues for blessings and cleaning the Buddha statutes 's houses. This is done to wash away bad luck and to start the beginning with good health, happiness and success in the coming year. This is done solemnly and respectfully at temples across the country. People visit temples early in the morning to offer food, flowers, and donations to monks. Monks chant blessings for health, happiness and success. Some donate clothes, medicine, or essentials to monks as a form of merit-making.

The Best Places in Thailand to Experience Songkran Festival

Bangkok: When we visit to Thailand and celebrate on some occasions, we should never forget Bangkok. Bangkok is the best spot for Iconic Water Fights & Grand Celebrations. The whole city automatically transforms to the water fare zone with active and energetically. You should never miss the massive water fights experiences with music in Khao San Road and Silom Road. Here are popular spots in Bangkok:

• Khao San Road,
• Silom Road
• CentralwOrld
• Waterbomb Bangkok Festival
• S2O Songkran Music Festival
• Siam Songkran Music Festival
• Sanam Luang: Watch traditional performances

Chaing Mai: Chiang Mai offers a perfect mix of cultural traditions, exciting water fights, and beautiful scenery. The water fights in Chiang Mai could say more family-friendly and tourist-friendly destination. The city is Safer & more enjoyable water fights than in crowded Bangkok and affordable and less expensive than Bangkok. The popular spots in Chiang Mai are:

• Tha Phae Gate 
• Chiang Mai Moat ...
• Nimmanhaemin Road ...
• Kad Suan Kaew ...
• Temples in Chiang Mai

Pattaya: If you want some beach vibes for water activities during activities, then Pattaya will be the smart choice. People celebrate Songkran parties in Pattaya nearly all over the city. If you're looking for an unforgettable Songkran experience, Pattaya is the place to be! The main highlight is Wan Lai Festival on April 19, a traditional event featuring colorful parades, beauty pageants, and cultural performances. While water fights continue, they are more localized compared to the city-wide battles earlier in the week. The seaside city hosts week-long celebrations filled with exciting water fights, foam parties, and sand sculpture competitions. Expect non-stop fun with splashing wet parties across the city! Here are the popular places you shouldn't leave in your list:

• Beach Road
• Walking Street
• Central Festival Pattaya

Phuket: Phuket is one of the best places to celebrate Songkran in Thailand. Phuket is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and exciting water fights, the island offers a unique mix of traditional rituals and modern celebrations. Songkran culture and traditions are also prominent here, where many would visit the local temples to make merit and take part in special ceremonies. Afterwards, you can catch lively cultural performances, as well as attend festive street parades and beauty pageants. Here are popular spots in Phuket:

• Patong Beach
• Bangla Road
• Wat Chalong
• Wat Pho