Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year celebrations , take place from April 13 – 15 nationwide. It’s a time for laughter and entertainment ... for religious ceremonies and merit-making ... for families and friends. And of course for splashing water -- lots of it!

A spirit of good-natured fun permeates the holiday season. Songkran embodies the essential caring and unity at the core of Thai society - enduring qualities that make Thailand truly amazing. 

This traditional Thai custom of merry-making is the Kingdom's most 'sanuk' (fun-filled) festival, celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm, nation-wide, once a year. In most parts of the country, Songkran extends over a period of 3 days.

Apart from marking a new beginning, Songkran is also a time for thanksgiving. It is an important time for individuals to reflect upon the many acts of kindness and thoughtfulness each has personally experienced and to remember how such acts of generosity and compassion bring peace, happiness and well-being. Songkran is also the time for reunions and family ties are renewed.

The underlying significance of Songkran is the process of cleansing and purification — the purging of all ills, misfortune and evil and starting the New Year afresh with all that is good and pure. Water is symbolic of the cleaning process and signifies purity.

Best venue to enjoy Songkran: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai (venue of the midnight Songkran)