The best places to have the ultimate Songkran experience are the streets of Silom, Khao San, Sukhumvit and RCA. You can even venture out a bit to less crowded areas such as Thonburi and Bang Krachao for an even more local experience.
Tip 1: be respectful of people when splashing water on them. Avoid hitting the eyes and if someone really does not want to get wet, don’t splash them. Just be courteous and above all, be careful.
Tip 2: finding the right place to celebrate Songkran really depends on personal preferences. Crowded places are usually the main streets such as Silom and Khao San but they can get a bit hectic. Best thing to do is to pick a spot and start walking around till you find a place and crowd that looks most appealing to you. Wherever you go, be sure to connect with the people around you, share conversations and just have a good time, responsibly!
SILOM: This is probably the biggest and best place to head to experience Songkran in Bangkok. The whole 5km street is packed with thousands of people carrying water guns, looking for their next victim to soak! One of the main highlights of the celebrations here is to see the fire trucks ambushed at each intersection with their water hoses – those things sure have a powerful water spray on them! If you want to experience what Songkran is all about but stay dry, then here is the perfect place for you to go as you can watch all of the shenanigans for the safety of the skywalk. This is a favorite destination for Thai teenagers and locals. The only thing to watch out for is pickpockets which have been reported in previous years.
KHOA SAN ROAD: If you have been or have heard of Khao San Road, then here the water fight is mixed with one big wild and noisy party! The entire length of Khao San Road is always chocker – there is no escape here unlike Silom in getting wet – this venue is for serious Songkraners only! At night, new comers keep joining and filling the road. You will never feel awkward or alone here. This is a Tourist hotspot.
SOI COWBOY: Here you will find water fights along the Soi by day allowing the bars to open and then it will be business as usual by night. The girls who live above the bars come outside to play and dance and are joined by some of their colleagues and regular customers. It’s a fun atmosphere and the girls really get in to it. There are a lot more tourists and expats here than Thais celebrating Songkran.
SUKHUMVIT SOI 4: Nana Plaza, Clubbing venues and many pub and restaurants turn themselves into the water battlefields overnight here. The whole Soi becomes a good spirited water fight and it’s time for water guns, bikinis and beer at Nana Plaza.
RCA: RCA holds the most bad ass events combines clubbing styles and water fights together. Each club brings you your favorite DJs/ singers, from both international and locals, to their own yards. The biggest event in RCA is called S20 Songkran festival where they have Dj line ups for 3 nights. You will feel like you are in a miniature of Ultra Music festival plus water splashing. If you love partying, then, you should never miss this. Thais often go to reserve a table around 4-5 pm because all the tables will be booked and taken as fast as a blink of an eye. Trust me, if you are going to in this kind of event with your squad, you need to be there early and get a table.
SANAM LUANG: You probably are asking where when we say Sanam Luang, but we mean the area opposite the Grand Palace. Here, celebrations are much more respectful. On the first day of Songkran the Buddha image “Buddhasihing” is taken from the National Museum and escorted along the street to allow people to sprinkle water on before it is left on display for the next three days to enable people to pay their respects.
You’re going to get wet 100%. Very wet infact. So make sure you’re wearing clothes that aren’t going to bleed colour all over your body (or end up entirely see-through), that they are not you best smart clothes, that your camera and especially your mobile phone is in a waterproof bag (or to be extra safe, just don’t bring it at all or invest in a waterproof disposable one), and that you’re not worried about hair or makeup (because it’s going to be a mess).
Keep your cash and cards tucked somewhere safe in a plastic sachet and don’t even think about carrying unnecessary valuables with you.
Don’t try to escape the gushes of water heading your way, and certainly don’t wear a poncho or carry an umbrella, just relax and enjoy the party getting wet. If you do not then not only are they going to do little to protect you, but you’ll actually make yourself a bigger target.
The best thing to do is just embrace the fact that the moment you step outside your hotel or hostel front door, you’re going to get wet. Besides, since March and April are the hottest and driest time of year in Bangkok & Chiang Mai, the water is actually a welcome relief to cool down!
It’s going to be hot and you’re going to get wet, so best to wear something light, but not too skimpy or see-through. Remember that Thai culture is quite conservative and this is a holy holiday, so avoid wearing thin tank tops or short shorts (especially as a woman; you’ll risk getting unwanted attention), and keep your feet water-friendly with sandals or flip-flops/thongs.
For the most comfort, wear a bathing suit rather than underwear under your outfit. Don’t forget sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat), water, and, most importantly, your water weapons!
We’re talking water guns, buckets and bowls all of them are fair game on the streets. You can refill them at free water stations and vendors throughout the old town centres. One thing to remember – Keep your eyes and mouth closed if you’re getting sprayed with moat water in Chiang Mai as its not clean or healthy at all.