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Festival

Songkran 2027: where to celebrate and where to stay

For the water festival, 13–15 April 2027.

By SajalUpdated, reviewed 6 min read

Reviewed Data refreshed

A crowd armed with water guns and buckets lining a soaked, tree-shaded street during the Songkran water festival
Photo credit

Photo: Kazuhiro Nakamura from Sapporo Hokkaido, JAPANCC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

All photo credits

Public holiday
13–15 April each year, so 13–15 April 2027
Weather
Hot (average 27–31 °C)
Biggest party
Chiang Mai (Old City moat)
Watch out for
Smoky air in Northern Thailand

The short answer

Songkran, the Thai New Year, is a national holiday on 13 to 15 April every year, so expect it on 13 to 15 April 2027 (TAT). Expect splashing in the festival zones. If you want breaks from it, choose a base with access to the dry spaces and transport described below. Each city sets its own water-festival programme, and those dates can differ from the holiday. The 2027 programmes had not been announced when we checked on 16 October 2026. Mid-April is a busy travel period, so book refundable rooms and transport early, then check your city’s programme once it is out.

  • Chiang Mai: Choose the Old City for the moat-side celebrations and temple rituals, and check the air before planning a northern stay.
  • City fun: Bangkok turns major streets like Silom into pedestrian splashing zones under the Skytrain tracks; in 2026, Silom’s events ran from 12 to 14 April.
  • Beach Songkran: Phuket and Pattaya let you combine water-festival plans with a coastal stay. Pattaya’s festival ran later in 2026, from 17 to 19 April; confirm the 2027 programme.
  • Quieter: Local temples across the country offer a calm escape where people pour scented water over Buddha statues.

Dates and weather

The public holiday runs from 13 to 15 April, every year, marking the transition into the new year. The Thai cabinet has sometimes added extra days off around it, so check the government’s 2027 holiday announcement for the exact long weekend. City programmes are separate: the table shows the 2026 dates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Songkran 2026 programme, as a guide to what to expect, not as 2027 dates.

Dates, their status and where they come from
WhatDateStatus
What the statuses mean

Confirmed: announced by the source; expected: based on past years.

Source
Songkran public holiday (every year)13–15 Apr 2027ExpectedTAT Newsroom, 26 Mar 2021checked
In 2026: Chiang Mai water festival11–13 Apr 2026ConfirmedTAT Newsroom, 26 Mar 2026checked
In 2026: Silom Road, Bangkok12–14 Apr 2026ConfirmedTAT Newsroom, 26 Mar 2026checked
In 2026: Phuket water festival11–13 Apr 2026ConfirmedTAT Newsroom, 26 Mar 2026checked
In 2026: Pattaya Songkran festival17–19 Apr 2026ConfirmedTAT Newsroom, 26 Mar 2026checked
April: average rain, temperature and our verdict for each destination
DestinationRainTempVerdict
About these numbers

April averages: NASA POWER climatology (MERRA-2, monthly means 2001–2020), air temperature (T2M) and rainfall (PRECTOTCORR) at each place's centre, fetched . Some rain means 100–199 mm; hot means 28 °C or more, or 1 °C above its yearly mean; often smoky: the north in February to April.

The data for each place: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya.

Chiang Mai~63 mm27 °CHot, often smoky
Bangkok~75 mm31 °CHot
Phuket~145 mm29 °CSome rain
Pattaya~72 mm29 °CHot

April is the hottest month of the year, with average temperatures pushing past 30 °C in the cities. Northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, also experiences its annual burning season, meaning the air is often smoky. Our Chiang Mai burning season guide covers how to check the air.

Chiang Mai

The massive ruined brick chedi of Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai's old city under a blue sky
Photo credit

Photo: Vyacheslav ArgenbergCC BY 4.0Wikimedia Commons

All photo credits

Old CityChiang Mai

April: ~63 mm rain · 27 °CHot, often smoky
Climate source

Monthly averages from NASA POWER climatology (MERRA-2, monthly means 2001–2020), air temperature (T2M) and rainfall (PRECTOTCORR) at Chiang Mai's centre (18.7883° N, 98.9853° E). An average, never a forecast.

Chiang Mai combines celebrations around the Old City moat with traditional temple rituals. In 2026 the city’s water festival ran from 11 to 13 April, before the end of the national holiday. Check the 2027 programme before choosing your arrival and departure days.

Where the action is
  • The Old City moat: A square waterway whose water is used for splashing; in 2026 the city tested it and said it was clean and safe for water play.
  • Tha Phae Gate: The eastern entrance to the Old City holds morning blessings and merit-making, and the traditional procession sets off from here.
  • Nimmanhaemin Road: The trendy western district sees heavy splashing outside cafes and lifestyle malls.
Choose your base
Look for a guesthouse inside the Old City if you want to walk to the festival areas. Ask about access during road closures, and check the air before committing if smoke affects your health. To weigh the Old City against Nimman, see Old City or Nimman.

Stays in Old City

Bangkok

The lake in Lumphini Park with the Silom and Sathorn skyline beyond the trees
Photo credit

Photo: Supanut ArunoprayoteCC BY 4.0Wikimedia Commons

All photo credits

Silom & SathornBangkok

April: ~75 mm rain · 31 °CHot
Climate source

Monthly averages from NASA POWER climatology (MERRA-2, monthly means 2001–2020), air temperature (T2M) and rainfall (PRECTOTCORR) at Bangkok's centre (13.7563° N, 100.5018° E). An average, never a forecast.

The capital empties out as residents return to their home provinces, but specific zones turn into densely packed street parties. You can easily escape the chaos by ducking into dry zones like shopping malls or taking the elevated trains.

Where the action is
  • Silom Road: This major artery shuts down to vehicles, becoming a packed pedestrian corridor under the BTS tracks. In 2026 its Songkran events ran from 12 to 14 April; check the 2027 plan before you book nearby.
  • Khao San Road: The Old Town backpacker hub draws a big international crowd for a shoulder-to-shoulder street party.
  • Siam Square: The central shopping district often sets up designated splashing zones for teenagers and students.
Choose your base
A hotel near a BTS Skytrain or MRT station gives you another way around when roads are busy. Check the walk from the station to your room if you want a break from splashing; trains and festival streets can both be crowded.

Stays in Silom & Sathorn

Phuket

The needle-shaped limestone rock of Ko Tapu rising from green water between forested karst islands in Phang Nga Bay
Photo credit

Photo: Diego DelsoCC BY-SA 3.0Wikimedia Commons

All photo credits

April: ~145 mm rain · 29 °CSome rain
Climate source

Monthly averages from NASA POWER climatology (MERRA-2, monthly means 2001–2020), air temperature (T2M) and rainfall (PRECTOTCORR) at Phuket's centre (7.8804° N, 98.3381° E). An average, never a forecast.

Thailand’s largest island combines the traditional water festival with a coastal trip. The coastal roads fill with pickup trucks carrying water barrels, while the main tourist beaches host large-scale parties.

Where the action is
  • Patong Beach: The epicenter of the island’s water fights is along the beachfront road and Bangla Road.
  • Phuket Town: The historic center sees heavy local participation and a slightly more traditional atmosphere.
  • Karon and Kata: These southern beaches offer active splashing but with slightly thinner crowds than Patong.
Choose your base
Compare Patong for nightlife with Phuket Town for the town’s cultural events. Check the local programme first so you can choose how close to the celebrations you want to sleep.

Stays in Phuket

Pattaya

Jomtien Beach, its towers and the Gulf of Thailand seen from high above Pattaya
Photo credit

Photo: WPPilotCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

All photo credits

April: ~72 mm rain · 29 °CHot
Climate source

Monthly averages from NASA POWER climatology (MERRA-2, monthly means 2001–2020), air temperature (T2M) and rainfall (PRECTOTCORR) at Pattaya's centre (12.9236° N, 100.8825° E). An average, never a forecast.

The coastal city celebrates later than most of the country, and its later local celebrations are known as Wan Lai. In 2026, Pattaya’s Songkran festival ran from 17 to 19 April. Check the 2027 dates before you book.

Where the action is
  • Beach Road: The main coastal strip shuts down to traffic and becomes one long, soaking pedestrian zone.
  • Walking Street: The famous nightlife district sees heavy water crossfire from the bars and clubs.
  • Soi Buakhao: This narrow street turns into a chaotic, slow-moving traffic jam of water-throwing locals and expats.
Choose your base
Central Pattaya puts the main festival zones within walking distance. Its later programme can fit a trip after the national holiday, but confirm the 2027 dates and your room’s location before paying.

Stays in Pattaya

Etiquette

  • Use clean water: Stick to room-temperature tap water and never use ice water, which shocks people in the heat.
  • Check your equipment: High-pressure and PVC-pipe water guns can hurt eyes and skin, and they may be restricted where you celebrate. Check the local rules for 2027, and use standard plastic water guns or small buckets.
  • Protect the vulnerable: Monks, the elderly, pregnant women, and babies are strictly exempt from the water fights.
  • Keep roads safe: Avoid throwing water directly in the faces of passing motorcyclists, as this causes serious road accidents.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear quick-drying clothes that cover your shoulders, especially at temples and ceremonies, and follow any dress rules posted where you celebrate.
  • Respect personal space: If you do not want powder on your face, politely decline. Ask before putting powder on anyone else, and respect their answer.

Practical tips

  • Waterproof everything: Buy a plastic pouch for your phone, cash, and hotel key from a street vendor before you leave your room.
  • Protect your eyes: Wear secure goggles or sunglasses to shield your eyes from dirty water and the traditional talcum powder.
  • Choose secure footwear: Wear strapped sandals rather than flip-flops, which break easily in dense crowds and slick, muddy streets.
  • Empty your weapons: Water play is usually not allowed inside BTS Skytrain and MRT stations, so empty your water gun before you go in and follow the station staff’s instructions.
  • Expect transport delays: Traffic crawls in the festival zones, and regular taxis might refuse to pick you up if your clothes are dripping wet.
  • Match the booking to the event: Pick your area after checking the city programme. Compare room and transport terms together, especially cancellation deadlines. If a rate is quoted “++”, our guide to Thai hotel prices shows how to estimate the total.

Tip

Open-air tuk-tuks are prime targets for water ambushes, so ride in closed taxis or take the train if you need to stay dry on transit days.

Frequently asked questions

When is Songkran 2027?

The public holiday is 13 to 15 April 2027, as every year. City water-festival programmes set their own dates and had not been announced for 2027 when we checked on 16 October 2026. In 2026, Chiang Mai’s ran from 11 to 13 April and Pattaya’s from 17 to 19 April, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Where is the best place to celebrate Songkran?

Chiang Mai offers the most famous traditional experience around its Old City moat. Bangkok has big street parties with easy access to dry zones, while Phuket and Pattaya mix the water fights with a beach holiday.

Is Songkran safe for tourists?

The festival is generally safe if you follow basic street smarts and avoid driving a motorcycle. Protect your eyes with sunglasses, use a waterproof phone pouch, and watch your step on slippery roads.

Do I need to book hotels early for Songkran?

Yes, mid-April is a busy domestic travel period in Thailand, as many people travel home for the holiday. Book flights, trains and rooms early, ideally with free cancellation, and confirm your city’s 2027 programme before paying for anything non-refundable.

Sources and checks

Drafted with help from an AI model, then fact-checked against the sources below and reviewed by Sajal on 19 Oct 2026.

Updated is the last change to what this guide says. Reviewed is when Sajal last checked it. Data refreshed is when the weather averages or the dated facts it shows were last fetched or checked.

Sources

Checked claims

Confirmed: the source supports it; qualified: no source can promise this, so it is worded as something to check. Each check was AI-assisted: “by web search” means a search found the source, “source read” means the source itself was opened and read.

How we compare

Changes to this guide

First published .

  • : Qualified splashing to festival zones and clarified room, transport and city-programme choices.
  • : Copy edited with Codex (GPT-6). Copy cleanup: described the choice of base and local programme more directly, removed repeated fit lines and made powder etiquette respect personal choice. No new event dates, safety rules, source checks or human review are claimed.
  • : Links added beside the reader's next decision: the April air note links the burning season guide, the Chiang Mai stay links Old City or Nimman, and booking early links the "++" price guide. No facts changed.
  • : Sources made claim-specific: every source now carries its page title and date instead of a bare domain; the Bank of Thailand's 2027 holiday notice (Songkran 13–15 April 2027) is added; the dated programme rows were re-read on the Tourism Authority of Thailand's pages. Two sources that did not back the text are gone (a legal column on shirtlessness, which the guide no longer states as law, and a report on slow bus sales). The moat, Tha Phae Gate and station lines now say only what their sources say. Climate figures now name NASA POWER's dataset (MERRA-2 monthly means, 2001–2020), its temperature and rainfall parameters and each place's coordinates, and link that place's exact data query instead of the NASA POWER homepage.
  • : Holiday and local programmes separated: 13–15 April is the recurring national holiday (TAT), while city water-festival dates come from TAT's 2026 programme and are labelled as 2026, with a dates table (status, source, check date); 2027 programmes are not announced yet. The book-immediately advice, the shirtless-law and PVC-gun-ban statements and the station rule are reworded as checks, since no current primary source was found for them.
  • : New card layout reviewed and published by Sajal.
  • : Rewritten in its own tone; 6 facts checked by web search with sources, 3 still to check by a person.
  • : 3 more facts confirmed by web search (sources added); 0 left for a person to check.
  • : Reviewed and published by Sajal.
  • : Restructured into destination cards from the published version; new claims marked for checking.
  • : 10 more facts confirmed by web search (sources added); 0 left for a person to check.
  • : 35 more facts confirmed by web search (sources added); 2 left for a person to check.
  • : AI-assisted draft; not yet checked.