Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai: A Guide to Celebrating Thai New Year

Songkran Festival is the traditional Thai New Year celebration that takes place in April. It is a time for families and communities to come together to pay respect to elders, offer alms to monks, and participate in water-splashing festivities. The festival is celebrated throughout Thailand, but Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations for tourists to experience the festivities. 

History of Songkran Festival

The origins of Songkran Festival can be traced back to ancient Buddhist traditions, where it was a time to pay respect to elders and offer alms to monks. Over time, the festival evolved to include water-splashing activities, which are now a central part of the celebration. In Chiang Mai, the festival is celebrated with a mixture of religious and cultural events, including the invitation ceremony of the Buddha Sihing image on a special carriage.

Activities during Songkran Festival

• During Songkran Festival, families and communities offer alms to monks in a traditional Thai Buddhist ceremony. This is a time for people to show respect to their elders and make merit.
• Pouring water on adults is a central part of the Songkran Festival celebrations. This is a way for people to show respect to their elders and wish them a happy new year.
• The Buddha Sihing image of Wat Phra Sing in Chiang Mai is an important part of the Songkran Festival celebrations in the city. During the festival, the image is traditionally invited to participate in the festivities by being carried through the streets on a special carriage. The image is offered water as a sign of respect, and it is a central part of the festival’s religious and cultural traditions. The invitation ceremony of the Buddha Sihing image is a highlight of Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai and is a must-see event for anyone visiting the city during this time.
• Songkran Festival is also known for its water splash fights, where people take to the streets with water guns and buckets to soak each other.

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations for tourists to experience Songkran Festival. During the festival, the city comes alive with religious ceremonies, cultural events, and water-splashing festivities. Some of the highlights of the festival include the invitation ceremony of the Buddha Sihing image, the offering of alms to monks, and the water splash fights that take place along the moat and in the streets of Chiang Mai.

Tourists can participate in the Songkran Festival in several different areas of Chiang Mai, including:

• Stroll Along the Moat: The moat surrounding the old city of Chiang Mai is a popular spot for water-splashing festivities during the festival.
• Thapae Gate: Thapae Gate is another popular destination for tourists to participate in the water-splashing activities during the festival.
• Nimmanhaemin Road: Nimmanhaemin Road is a lively area of Chiang Mai that is popular with tourists and locals alike. During the Songkran Festival, the road is a hub of activity, with water-splashing festivities, street vendors, and live music.

If you are planning a trip to Chiang Mai during the Songkran Festival, we invite you to join in the festivities and experience the traditional Thai New Year celebrations for yourself. With religious ceremonies, cultural events, and water-splashing activities, Songkran Festival is a unique and exciting way to experience the culture and traditions of Thailand.

Do’s and Don’ts During Songkran Festival

• Modest Attire: It is crucial to dress modestly when participating in Songkran Festival, especially when visiting religious and cultural sites.
• Respectful of Traditions: During the festival, it is important to show respect for local customs and traditions, especially when it comes to pouring water on elders and others.
• Avoid Inappropriate Acts: Public displays of affection and any behavior that is inappropriate should be avoided.
• Avoid Disrespectful Conduct: Excessive drinking and behavior that may be considered disrespectful should be avoided to maintain the respectful atmosphere of the festival.
• Protect Your Belongings: To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it is important to protect your valuables.
• Avoid Drinking Festival Water: To maintain good health, it is advisable to avoid swallowing water during the festival.
• Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is crucial to have a safe and enjoyable festival experience.
• Appropriate Clothing: Dressing appropriately, including wearing goggles and a swimsuit if necessary, is important to have a safe and enjoyable festival experience.