Songkran is a Thai traditional New Year which happens on April 13 to 15 (national holiday) every year. The Songkran tradition is recognized as a valuable custom for the Thai community, society and religions. The significance of Songkran for family members is to gather in order to express their respects to the elders by pouring scented water onto the hands of their parents and grandparents and to present them with gifts including dedicating the results of them making merits to their ancestors. The elders, in return, wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity. For the community, it is to provide the opportunity to create unity in the community such as to jointly acquire merits, to meet each other and to enjoy the entertaining events. On the religious front, the Thais honor this occasion by means of merits acquisition, offerings of alms to monks, Dhamma practices, listening to sermon and monks-bathing.

Best place to enjoy Songkran in Bangkok

Silom Road – If you ask a young teenager where to go during Songkran, Silom Road is probably the answer. The more teenagers there are, the more fun it becomes! This location is favourable as it is not as hot as the other place. This is because there is a BTS skyway above which blocks out the hot sun. Anyone who does not want to play during the day can go after sunset or at night till 10.00 p.m.  To get there, I recommend taking a BTS sky train and alignt at Saladaeng station or MTR station Silom.

Siam Square – For those who are looking for a cool Songkran while still preserving the Thai customs... Happy with the splash, Enjoy the authentic Thai atmosphere. There will be interesting activities at this location; making the merit in the morning, Buddha image bathing, blessing the elders, bird release, fish release and mini concerts from many famous artists from 12.00 p.m. - 06.00 p.m.

Central World – Enjoy a concert from famous band and singer as well as a spectacular cultural show.  Celebrate Songkran Thai festival and experience the largest Carnival theme park in the heart of the city. With caravans, turtles, carousel, Ferris wheel and more than 50 booths enjoy creative food from the trendy Food Truck from 12.00 p.m. – 09.00 p.m.

Khao San Road – If you have not been to the "Khao San Road Songkran Festival", it means you have not participated in the real Songkran festival in Thailand! Both the locals and foreigners of all ages will head for this famous guest house in Thailand where one can splash water from day till night. This year, the Songkran at Khao San Road is still happening though there is a restriction on wet powder and please refrain from going shirtless or wearing sexy clothes.

10 Tips for Enjoy Songkran

1. Throw water at one another, wishing blessings for the New Year
2. Don’t wear white – it will become see-through when wet
3. Don’t get angry or mad when someone splashes a pail of water at you – it’s all in the name of fun!
4. Beware of your valuables, bring only the necessaties and place all electronics in a waterproof pouch or plastic bag
5. Don’t use motorcycle taxis, instead use public transportation or walk because of wet slippery roads
6. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from water and white powder
7. Keep a bottle of water handy. Thais use white powder during the festival which is said to make your skin cooler.
8. If you are out and about, you will definitely get soaked. So stay indoors if you prefer to remain dry!
9. Say “Sawas dee pee mai” to Thais, this means “Happy New Year”
10. Monks are highly respected in Thailand, so never touch or throw water at them