Welcome to Thailand’s Songkran, otherwise know as Thai New Year. The celebration is marked by a 5 day long, nationwide water fight. Every Thai city and town resembles a water park as the streets are filled with waterguns, buckets and pick-up truck drive-by splashings. 

For the next 5 days ‘being dry’ becomes impossible. Thai families soak each other to symbolise washing away the sins and bad luck of the last year and cleansing their souls for the year to come. 

Here is a guide to finding out what are the best streets to waterfight in for Songkran. 

Best places in Bangkok for SongKran 

1. Khaosan Road, Bangkok– the beating heart of Bangkoks Backpacking scene Khaosan Road is by far the most busy and intense waterfight. This infamous street is the frontline for Songkran, here roads become rivers and roofs pour like the monsoon season has come early. Address: Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
2. Silom Road, Bangkok – A great alternative to Khaosan Road is the waterfight in Solon Road. Address: Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
3. Lumpini Park – If you want to see a procession during SongKran Lumpini Park celebrates the sitting buddha idol
4. Waterbomb Bangkok Festival – Fancy kicking off the new Thai year with a music festival? Waterbomb festival in Bangkok is a crazy mix of water fights good music and all around good vibes 

Best places in Chiangmai for Songkran?

1. Tha Phai Gate, Chiangmai – A favourite with both Thai locals and tourists alike Tha Phai Gate has a large courtyard which becomes the main stadium for the waterfight. Address – Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
2. Chiangmai Moat – On either side of the canal water fills the air as locals chuck buckets of ice cold water over eachother. 
3. Chiangmai temples – Songkran isn’t just about soaking your friends. Visit a temple on Songkran to lean more about the religious significance of the day and watch as devout Buddhists pour scented water of Buddha statues, give offerings to monks and receive their blessings through prayer. The best temples to visit during Songkran are: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Pan Tao, Wat Chedi Luang or Wat Chiang Man

Best places in Phuket for Songkran?

1. Patong Beach – Unsurprisingly the party paradise of Patong beach turns the streets into one giant pool party featuring never ending drum and bass, foam canons and jet sprays. The main event takes place in none other than Bangla road all evening, night and morning there is a full scale battle. Here Thai locals and tourists alike patrol the streets in their hordes launching buckets of Icey cold water over anyone they please! 
2. Old Town Phuket (Thalang Road ) – This colourful street comes alive during Songkran as countless quite literally flood the streets in the national celebrations. 

Best places in Krabi for Songkran?

1. Ao Nang – The lively Main Streets of Ao Nang are an incredible place to get involved with the waterfight. The mobile units of families on the road do not hold back on any tourists so be sure to drench any pickup approaching you.  
2. Krabi Town – For a taste of a truly Thai Songkran experience visit Krabi town for a glimpse into the traditional side of Songkran. 

Best places in Pattaya for Songkran?

1. Beach Road and Walking Street- Most people in Pattaya make their way to beach road, lured in by the distant thumping bass of the partying and the promise of the biggest waterfight in the area. 
2. Bang Saen beach – If you are done with being drenched make your way to Bang Saen beach and you’ll find some spectacular sand sculptures that celebrate the festivities. 

Best place in Khon Kaen for Songkran? 

1. Khao Niao Road – Translated this street is ‘sticky rice road’ but on Songkran it should be ‘slippy ice road’ as countless Thai put ice cubes in there water cannons making the scream of each splash ten times louder. This is one of the largest Songkran celebrations in Northeast Thailand featuring traditional ox cart processions and religious ceremonies in the temples.

Best Islands to be on for Songkran? 

1. Phi Phi Islands – The winding backstreets of Phi Phi become a slip and slide, as thousands of travellers load up for a waterfight that lasts until the very early hours of the morning. 
2. Koh Tao – This tropical escape is a beautiful mix of travellers and Thai locals that both seem to enjoy every second of the Songkran! 
3. Koh Samui – Head to Laem Set, Taling Ngam and Lipa Noi for a more authentic experience or Chaweng and Bophut to take on your fellow backpackers. 

For a visiting backpacker Songkran is a pure and joyful insight into Thai culture. Much like the festivals of La Tomatina and Holi, the chaotic atmosphere and soundtrack of laughter is so contagious that you can’t help but smile and embrace the euphoria of the moment. 

No matter where you find yourself in Thailand for Songkran be sure to completely throw yourself into the celebration. It was easily my favourite cultural celebration while travelling Thailand and one that captures the playful and joyous spirit of the Thai people.