Explore Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 in Bangkok

Thailand officially opened the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 last night with a spectacular celebration in the heart of Bangkok on 13 April 2025. Hosted at Sanam Luang from 11–15 April, the festival is the centrepiece of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025 to promote Thai cultural heritage and attract international tourists.

Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 was hosted at Sanam Luang (Source: Travel)

In front of the Prime Minister, Cabinet officials, diplomats, and members of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, the Maha Songkran Parade kicked off the day's events. Following the parade, the ceremonial ceremonies at Sanam Luang kicked off Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, which is recognized by UNESCO.

Things to do in Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025

Themed Parade Floats

From 17:30, a bright parade with eight finely designed floats will leave from the Democracy Monument and go down Ratchadamnoen Avenue to Sanam Luang. Each float told a different story that showed what Songkran was all about and what it meant through traditional Thai art.

Eight themed floats and over 500 performers in traditional attire on Maha Songkran (Source: Trips)

• "The River of Blessings" - showed the beautiful Naga, a mythical snake that people think brings good luck through water.
• "Colours of the Seasons" - showed off Thailand's tropical bounty by durian, which is known as the "king of fruits," and floating markets.
• "The Flavour of Siam" - celebrated Tom Yum Kung, a UNESCO-designated national dish that shows Thai food history and harmony with nature.
• "The Noble Elephant" - comes from the way Thai people respect elephants and how important they are to Thai culture and history.
• "Betta Brilliance"  showed the bright Thai fighting fish, which is a sign of creativity and national pride.

Other floats included "Spirit of the Fairground," which evoked the joyful atmosphere of traditional temple fairs; "Tuk-Tuk Beats," blending Thai pop culture with festive energy through the iconic tuk-tuk; and "Songkran Through Young Eyes," presenting the festival from the perspective of children as future guardians of Thai traditions.

Live Performances at the Main Stage

From 15:00 to 23:00 daily, Sanam Luang transforms into a vibrant cultural hub, offering live performances, regional displays, traditional ceremonies, and interactive zones that reflect the rich diversity of Thai heritage.

Traditional Thai cultural arts in Maha Songkran 2025 (Source: Bupattayamail)

The Main Stage comes alive from 16:00 to 23:00 with nightly performances by some of Thailand’s most popular artists, including Bodyslam, Carabao, Jeff Satur, Polycat, The Toys, 4EVE, Joey Boy, Zeal, Tilly Birds, Paper Planes, Ink Waruntorn, Musketeers, Lazyloxy, Paradox, Slapkiss, YourMood, Ja Nongpanee, and Lamyai Haithongkham. In addition to these modern concerts, guests can enjoy cultural shows like full-scale khon masked dramas, orchestral performances, and vintage ballroom dancing inspired by the iconic Suntharaporn band. Each evening ends with a dazzling synchronized drone show featuring 1,200 drones lighting up the Bangkok sky.

A smaller performance area complements the main stage with traditional Thai cultural arts, including shadow puppetry, Nora dance, Hun Krabok puppetry, Pong Lang music, victory drums, long drums, and select contemporary performances.

Read more: Best places to celebrate Songkran in Thailand

The Regional Identity Zone

Open daily from 15:00 to 22:00, the Regional Identity Zone invites visitors to experience the unique charm of Thailand’s five regions through immersive architecture, traditional crafts, and cultural showcases.

Admire traditional crafts in Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 (Source: Tatnews)

• The North highlights elegant Lanna-style architecture inspired by Wat Lok Moli, with glowing lanterns, traditional coffee brewing stations, and hands-on flag-making activities.
• The Northeast draws visitors in with the grandeur of Phimai Historical Park and the vibrant energy of Phi Ta Khon masks, complemented by pottery and bead-stringing workshops.
• Central Thailand presents Ayutthaya-style prang towers modeled after Wat Phutthaisawan, set amid creative bamboo weaving and kite-making sessions enhanced by artistic lighting.
• The East captures a lively beach vibe with LED jellyfish displays, coral reef-themed decor, and upcycled crafts using ocean waste.
• The South celebrates coastal life with vibrant Nora beads, batik painting, traditional boats, and kite displays — all set within an illuminated seaside setting.

The “Thai Charms” Zone

The “Thai Charms” Zone invites visitors to experience the “5 Must Do in Thailand”: Must Taste traditional Thai desserts, Must Try Muay Thai or Thai massage, Must Buy local favourites like elephant pants and herbal inhalers, Must See ancient boxing performances, and Must Seek traditional dress-up for souvenir photos.

Checkin in The “Thai Charms” Zonein - Maha Songkran 2025 (Source: Thailand)

Festivalgoers can step into a classic Thai Temple Fair, featuring a haunted house, open-air cinema, Ferris wheel, and sand pagoda building. Traditional New Year rituals include bathing Buddha images and water-pouring ceremonies to honour elders.

The Water Play Zone

The Water Play Zone offers giant spill buckets, a water station for Songkran water play, musical fountain shows, and EDM sets by DJs such as JJetrin, Bubble Paint, Lazyprince, Leonie, Tong Apollo, B-Bass, and more.

Water battle - the best activity in Songkran World Water Festival 2025 (Source: Robb)

Local Cuisine Vendors

Over 100 vendor booths throughout Thailand sell regional foods, crafts, and local products. The GCYOU-TURN program reflects the event's commitment to sustainability, as it recycles disposable water bottles on-site into recyclable things.

Traditional Thai floral shirts are iconic symbols of the Songkran Festival (Source: News)

Conclusion 

Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 is not only a time for Thai people to celebrate the New Year, but also an opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in unique cultural experiences and lively activities. If you plan to join the festival, get ready to dive into the festive atmosphere and discover the vibrant traditions of Thailand.

Read more: Songkran Festival Thailand: Traditions and New beginnings