Safe travel tips when visiting Thailand during Songkran Festival

Songkran Festival – Thailand’s traditional New Year, is one of the biggest cultural events attracting millions of tourists annually. This is not only an occasion for people to welcome the new year but also an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere with exciting water battles. 

Songkran Festival is a great chance to explore the culture and many activities. Source: Flamingo Redtours

However, to have a safe and complete trip, you need to equip yourself with important knowledge before going. Let’s explore safe travel tips for foreigners when traveling during Songkran in Thailand with Asia King Travel! 

About Songkran Festival

This is the traditional New Year of Thailand, which takes place in April yearly to mark the new time according to the Buddhist calendar. It is not only a simple holiday but also has special cultural and spiritual significance to the people of the Land of the Golden Pagodas. 

This is also the traditional New Year of the Thai people according to the Buddhist calendar. Source: SAKOS 

Songkran is considered an occasion for family reunion, and for the young generation to show their respect to their elders. Thai people also consider this a chance to renew themselves, get rid of the bad luck of the previous year, and welcome a new beginning with hope. 

Not only is Songkran the most important holiday of the year, but it also attracts a large number of international visitors with its traditional and modern activities, creating a colorful picture of the festival atmosphere throughout the nation.

Time and main activities

The festival comes up from April 13 to April 15 every year and lasts for three main days. In addition, in some big cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Pattaya, the activities can last longer, it is easy to understand that Songkran is one of the most attractive events in Southeast Asia. 

During this festival, Thai people often go to temples and pagodas to make merit and bathe Buddha statues with scented water to pray for good luck throughout the new year. Then, they will join "water battles" with water guns, buckets, and nozzles that occur on big streets. Especially, the young often engage in the "Rod Nam Dum Hua" - this is a traditional ritual, that means pouring scented water on the hands of the elderly to show respect and pray for blessings.

Read more: Thailand's Colorful Culture Through 6 Spring Festivals

Activities you can engage in 

Water splashing on Khao San Road in Bangkok

If you want to experience Songkran at its most energetic, head straight to Khao San Road, where thousands of people run to the streets with water guns and buckets, with bright smiles on their faces. The atmosphere here is like a party of joy and connection between the travelers and the locals. 

Water splashing is the most energetic activity that will give you happy moments. Source: Booking.com

Participating in the traditional festival in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the most traditional places to celebrate Songkran. You can visit Wat Phra Singh to take part in the Buddha bathing ritual or join in the festivities along the Ping River, where cultural parades surface. 

Bathing the Buddha statue is a traditional ritual to pray for peace and luck in the new year. Source: Kenh14

Taking part in traditional ceremonies at temples and pagodas

Besides the bustling water battles on the streets, holiday-makers can also experience a more peaceful and profound side of Songkran by visiting temples or pagodas and participating in traditional rituals. 

You can admire the traditional ceremonies to learn more about Thai culture. Source: Du lich Thai Lan

There are temples and pagodas such as Wat Pho in Bangkok, Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai, and Wat Arun on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, which hold special ceremonies, including bathing Buddha statues, offering flowers, and making merit. This is a great opportunity for you to better understand Thai culture and beliefs as well as find peace in the first days of the new year. 

Having fun on Pattaya Beach

If you want to combine Songkran with a beach holiday, Pattaya is a perfect choice. There are beaches such as Jomtien and Pattaya Beach Road, which will become giant playgrounds where water fights take up alongside music performances and non-sleep parties. 

Besides enjoying the festival atmosphere, you can also relax on the beach. Source: Trang An Travel

Trying typical Songkran street food

In addition to the exciting water battles, Songkran is also an opportunity for tourists to explore Thailand's typical street food. Markets and food streets such as Chinatown (Yaowarat) in Bangkok or Warorot Market in Chiang Mai are filled with delicious traditional dishes. 

During Songkran season, you can try the street food besides the outdoor activities. Source: Vietjet Air

Do not miss the chance to taste Pad Thai, Som Tum (spicy papaya salad), Khao Soi (curry noodles), or mango sticky rice (Khao Niew Mamuang) - popular dishes during this holiday. The festive atmosphere and the delicious flavors of those dishes will make your journey more complete. 

Some tips for safe travel during the Songkran season

• Protecting electronics & personal belongings: Use the waterproof bags for your phone, camera, passport, and cash. Splashing is allowed in festival areas, so you need to protect your important items well.
• Choosing suitable clothes: Wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing, and avoid white ones because you may get wet throughout the day.
• Do not use personal vehicles: During Songkran, traffic in major cities can be chaotic as many roads are blocked for the festival. It is recommended that you use public transport or take a walk to ensure your safety.
• Maintaining respect for local culture: Although Songkran is a fun festival, there are still rules that you should follow. Do not splash water on the monks, the elders, or the children. Also, remember that some areas still have formal ceremonies, so you have to behave appropriately. 
• Staying away from crowded areas, if you are not used to crowds: Big cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket can attract thousands of tourists during the festival, leading to overcrowding and uncontrolled situations. If you don’t like crowds or feel uncomfortable in small spaces, you can visit backstreets or suburban areas to enjoy Songkran in a more relaxed way. 
• Beware of holiday scams: Festivals are a busy time, so bad people take advantage of the situation to carry out scams, and pickpockets, or charge higher prices than usual. You should limit the cash you bring, to only the necessary amount, and always check the price before using services such as tuk-tuks, taxis, or eating at small restaurants.
• Protecting your health in hot weather: Songkran takes place in April - the hottest time of the year in Thailand, with temperatures reaching from 35 to 40 degrees. When playing outdoors for a long time, you are susceptible to dehydration and exhaustion. Therefore, drink enough water, use sunscreen, and wear a hat, and airy clothes to protect your health throughout the festival.

Conclusion

Songkran Festival is one of the most amazing experiences you can have when traveling to Thailand. Not only is it a time for fun, but it is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the culture and traditions of the Thai people. With the safe travel tips when participating in the Songkran Festival above, you will have a memorable journey while still ensuring safety. Are you ready for the upcoming Songkran season trip? Plan your journey now with Asia King Travel! 

Read more: Songkran Festival Thailand: Traditions and New beginnings