Songkran Events You Can't Miss in 2018
April 09, 2018.
Tags: Songkran, Bangkok, Phuket, Hua hin
Songkran is an annual festival in Thailand that celebrates Thai New Year. Thais and foreigners from around the world flock to the country each April to enjoy the festivities. This year, the festival takes place from April 13 to 15, but revelers typically celebrate throughout the entire week. There's more to Songkran than just the festival itself, though. Check out some of these great special events surrounding the festival while you are in Thailand for the nation's New Year.
Bangkok Water Parties and Music Festivals
A big part of the festival is getting yourself and everyone around you soaking wet. The water symbolises washing clean all of the bad luck and misfortune of the previous year so that you can get a fresh start in the coming year.One of the biggest music festivals in Bangkok takes place during Songkran and it’s called the Pepsi S2O festival. The lineup this year features DJ Snake and many other big EDM performers so you can really let loose in this huge water party (tickets are selling out soon, so book now!) Silom Street is one of the most popular water parties in Bangkok, with locals and tourists alike lining two levels of this five-kilometre road, armed with water pistols, buckets and anything else they can get their hands on to soak the masses below. The entire event is a big party as well, with alcohol being sold in numerous bars and shops along the way. Khao San Road is another popular spot for Songkran as the area is always packed with young travelers looking to have a good time.
Chiang Mai Food Festival
In Chiang Mai, party-goers use buckets instead of water pistols, but there is more to the festival than just getting soaking wet. Summer Heat 2018 music festival will take place from April 13 to April 15, with local acts such as Toy and Modern Dog performing at the festival. At the Tha Phae Gate on the city's east side, you'll find a plethora of food stalls offering up regional and national cuisine. Live entertainment keeps the mood fun and lively throughout the festival. The Miss Songkran Beauty Pageant tops off the festival, recognizing local women for both inner and outer beauty.Patong Water Parade
In Patong, Thailand's most popular beach destination, the water party takes the form of a parade. Pickup trucks drive up and down the city's streets, dousing revellers along the sidewalks as they go. Of course, those along the sides of the road shoot back as well! Although the water festival technically only takes place for one day, enforcement in this remote area is much more relaxed than in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, so the soaking tends to go on for several days.Samui Foam Parties
Chaweng Beach hosts one of the rowdiest Songkran parties in the area. You'll find machines pumping out heaps of foam, and adults and children alike will love playing in the mountains of bubbles. If your children are especially young, though, you may find Chaweng a bit too crazy. Head a bit farther north up the coast to find some tamer parties that are more family-friendly.Long-Term Stay in Thailand
Whether you are visiting Thailand specifically for the Songkran Festival, or just planning a vacation, a long-term apartment or condo rental can be just the thing to help you enjoy your trip even more.Long-term rentals help you save a significant chunk of money over staying in traditional hotels. Here at Rental for the Holidays, we have a wide range of apartments and condos for rent throughout Thailand, encompassing the major cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as more remote locales, like Hua Hin and Phuket.