Songkran Festival 2026 (สงกรานต์ 2569), also known as the Thai New Year, will be celebrated nationwide from 13 – 15 April 2026. As the festival begins on a Monday this year, celebrations will start over the preceding weekend, creating an extended five-day festive period filled with joy and tradition.
As Thailand’s most important and widely celebrated festival, Songkran marks the start of the Thai New Year through a rich blend of cultural and spiritual practices. Families traditionally clean their homes to welcome good fortune, pay respect to elders by gently washing their feet with scented water, and visit temples to pray and make merit.
Alongside these meaningful customs, the festival is also famous for its lively water celebrations. Locals and visitors alike fill the streets to splash water on one another, an act that symbolizes cleansing, renewal, and the joyful spirit of a fresh beginning.
Note: Songkran is an official public holiday in Thailand, during which government offices, banks and schools are closed.
In Bangkok, Songkran celebrations are centered around several key areas, including Silom Road, Khao San Road and Sanam Luang (across from the Grand Palace). Based on last year’s events, water fights took place at the following locations:
Beyond Bangkok, dozens of Songkran events are set to take place nationwide, with cities and provinces hosting a mix of street processions, religious ceremonies, cultural performances, and the ever-popular water fights that attract both locals and tourists.
While daytime festivities revolve around water fights and traditional rituals, the celebrations continue into the evening. Hotels, clubs and music festivals across Thailand will host lively parties, with major music events scheduled in various locations, offering an exciting way to experience the holiday after the sun sets.
Stay updated here for the latest festival programs and schedule announcements!
