Discover the magic of Songkran, Thailand’s vibrant traditional new year celebration, held from April 13-15. In Chiang Mai, the festivities extend up to 8 days, transforming the city into a lively paradise of colorful processions and energetic water fights. Locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy cultural performances, beauty pageants, and the iconic water battles that define this exuberant event. Experience the joy and excitement of splashing away the heat, all set against the stunning backdrop of Chiang Mai’s ancient moat. Remember to dress accordingly and leave your valuables behind for an unforgettable celebration.
Songkran is Thailand’s most significant public holiday, marking the celebration of the traditional new year. Held annually from April 13-15, this festive period coincides with the hottest days of the year. In Chiang Mai, however, the excitement lasts up to eight days, making it one of the prime locations to revel in the world’s largest water fight. Streets come alive as colorful processions snake through the city, showcasing traditional performances, cultural shows, and beauty pageants. The atmosphere is electric as locals and visitors alike arm themselves with water guns and powder, ready to join in the spirited festivities. The moat surrounding the city center serves as a picturesque setting for this extraordinary event, creating a unique blend of culture and fun. With participants drenching each other in refreshing water, the motto “wetter equals better” rings true, so be mindful not to carry items that could be damaged. Embrace the excitement, immerse yourself in the local traditions, and create lasting memories at the renowned Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai.
เทศกาลสงกรานต์ เชียงใหม่ (เมืองเชียงใหม่, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
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Songkran Festival Chiang Mai is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Thailand
Worth enough to watch … it worth money … activities whatever involved in this festivals are good … I would travel here next also …
This hugely popular event provides a large impressive floral display in the park in the old part of Chiang Mia. If you miss the early morning procession of spectacularly decorated flower floats, you can find them parked up next to the Park. Worth going out of your way.
cant complain, majority rules and it seems majority is really having a blast.so what if i think they are absolute idiots, so what if the waterguns toting farangs seem moronic, so what if they show zero respect to your right not to participate, so what if i cant understand the low IQ you must have in order to enjoy it.use the early hours of the day, spend as much time as possible in temples and avoid the moat area if you are likeminded.otherwise, strip to your undies, buy a gun and join the marching morons. happy new year.
People were having fun especially teenagers and some tourists out of curiosity and respect. There were also shows and entertainment and most of the Thais love it . As a foreigner, I learned to respect the Thai culture and enjoyed watching splashing water using water guns and buckets although not all people wanted to be wet. I think if you don’t like to be wet avoid the areas where everyone played the water festival.
I have been to Thailand over 25 times but have never done Songkran, so this year I flew into bangkok…and staright away out up to Chaing Mai, as i heard this was the best place to experince the new year celebrations. Basically, it a three day manic water fight. You can’t seem to go anywhere without getting soaked by buckets of water or shot at with massive water pistols. It was great fun, and throughly enjoyed the 2 or 3 hours I was out in the middle of the action. But I would say, the festival goes on for 3 days…for me one day was enough. Go and enjoy and have fun…..and don’t expect to stay dry for long.
If you want to be positive:A lot of people, particular the teens and twenties have lots of fun. The city cools down a little, temperature wise. There are some lovely parades in town. There are shows and entertainment at Thapae Gate and in the Nimman area. Thais love it. The ‘old style’ festival can be lovely and serene.If you want to be negative:A lot of people visit Thailand just for the water festival, where large buckets of water and water guns are used to get everyone possible very wet. Many of the participants are drunk. Beautifully-dressed girls in the parades get soaked. Accidents happen when motorcylists and water cannons collide. Dirty moat water and coloured water is thrown over people. This is the ‘new style’ festival.Take your choice – but it is popular, and it happens every year.
It was great to be at Central Festival and get a special peak into water festival or Songkran Thai new year celebrations. Our special Thanks to Ms Ying Ms Kate and Ms Sur and central festival management team for all the help and support.Music performances were brilliant, so were water festival festivities ? and food seating etc. We were very impressed the way they managed the crowd so ably and efficiently without causing any bother or slag. Huge thanks for cleanliness and vibes.Central festival ground floor had traditional Thai dance performances too. Also in addition range of northern Thai food cuisines were the spotlight in the food court a level below.Connectivity wise it is great place too well connected with taxi grab etc as well as free red truck or songthaew between airport plaza and this one. Definitely must visit for everyone.
I’m all for people having fun, but the 4 day festival is just too long. Most of the day, people are lined up on the main thoroughfares waiting to spray passersby. Getting wet on the first day was entertaining, second day it was getting boring. By the 3rd & 4th day, it was tiresome.