Songkran
Thai New Year Celebrations 13-15th April
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year also known as The Biggest Water Fight Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand, maybe even the WORLD!
When is Songkran in Thailand? Songkran festival will take place April 13th through the 15th, a festival that is the country’s traditional New Years Eve celebration. The Thai New Year always takes place in the hottest time of the year, so it’s the perfect time for water play.
The Songkran Festival is also known as the Thai New year or Thailand Water Festival, originally celebrated as a way for the Thai people to sprinkle water on their family members and elders for good fortune and pay their respects to images of the beloved Buddha. However, today, the festival has changed into 3-5 days of water play fun, splashing locals and visitors alike with buckets of water, water hoses and super soakers as they gather in the streets. Some water is normal temperature, but watch out for streams and buckets of iced cold water! It’s surprising!!!!
The annual Songkran Festival is commemorated on the same 3 days every year, however the celebration typically begins several days before and but ends at sundown the 15th. So be aware.
If you’re considering traveling to Thailand for Songkran be prepared to get soaked having the time of your life in a fun and exciting water fight. You’ll feel like a kid again. Everyone will get it on the fun (at least those brave enough to gather in the streets), spraying, dropping water from above and splashing each other. While a lot of the water will come from the usual water guns, hoses and buckets, wetting down passers by, there are party goer’s who will drive around with 44 gallons of water, catching everyone by surprise; it’s all in good fun and a fun way to cool off.
Chiang Mai has the biggest, most recognized Thailand Water Festival parade, which includes statues from local temples being carried out and paraded through the streets in celebration of this very special time of the year. One reason that Chiang Mai most likely commemorates Songkran more vigorously is that a large number of people come home to Chiang Mai and celebrate with their families and friends.
The Songkran celebrations held in Chiang Mai will giving you plenty of chances to have a great time getting wet which is also said to bring you good luck throughout the upcoming next year.
Songkran Tips
DON’T DRINK THE WATER!
Get a big water gun! Or at least a bucket.
Get “protection” including a waterproof phone and money holder, sunscreen, glasses and a hat (at least). Ear plugs are helpful.
It’s a day time activity, so put your water pistols away after dark and have a drink with your new friends.
It’s all for fun! So don’t get too upset if you get wet!
Have a great time playing Songkran!
The Ambassador
Songkran at Thapae Gate
Walking Around Songkran
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Songkran in Chiang Mai 2026?
Songkran / Pii Mai Muang (the Lanna New Year) in Chiang Mai runs from approximately April 6 to 17 in 2026. Chiang Mai observes a significantly longer celebration than Bangkok and the national three-day official Songkran. The full 10-day+ celebration is unique to the Northern Thai Lanna tradition and is one of the reasons Chiang Mai Songkran is considered the most authentic version in Thailand.
What is the difference between Songkran and Pii Mai Muang?
They are the same celebration observed under different names. Songkran is the national Thai New Year water festival. Pii Mai Muang is the Lanna (Northern Thai) name for the same celebration, reflecting the distinct cultural identity of Chiang Mai as a former independent Lanna kingdom. In Chiang Mai, the celebration emphasises Lanna Buddhist merit-making traditions alongside the water festival elements seen throughout Thailand.
Is it safe to attend Songkran in Chiang Mai?
Yes with sensible precautions. The water fights are good-natured and the crowds at main areas are manageable outside of the peak evening sessions. Put your phone and wallet in a waterproof bag. Do not ride a motorbike through the main celebration areas during peak hours: visibility is reduced and roads are wet. Avoid the moat road on the busiest evenings if you are on a motorbike. Stick to walking within the main party zones.
What are the best spots to watch or participate in Chiang Mai Songkran?
The moat road around the Old City is the central gathering point. The Nawarat Bridge area on the Ping River becomes especially festive. Nimmanhaemin Road has a more modern party atmosphere. The Old City temples (especially Wat Phra Singh) hold the more traditional Buddhist merit-making ceremonies that are distinct from the water festival. Both the water fights and the temple ceremonies are worth attending on different days.
Do businesses close during Songkran in Chiang Mai?
Major malls and most Western-style businesses stay open or close only for the official public holidays. Local Thai businesses, markets, and some restaurants may close for 2 to 5 days. Government offices close for the official public holidays. Songkran weekend in Chiang Mai can also affect traffic and road access around the moat. Plan grocery shopping and errands in the days before the main festival period.
Guru Tip
If you want the authentic Lanna New Year experience rather than just the water fight, attend the Buddhist ceremonies at Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang on the morning of April 13. The procession of Buddha images, the sand stupas (castle-shaped sand structures built in temple courtyards as merit-making offerings), and the ceremonial water pouring on elders are the actual heart of Pii Mai Muang. These happen before the afternoon water fights begin and attract primarily Thai participants rather than tourists. A Chiang Mai Songkran that includes both the temple ceremonies and the water festival gives you the complete picture of what the celebration actually means.
