Songkran takes place annually in mid-April, during Thailand's hottest period. While images of drenched streets and lively crowds with water guns and buckets symbolize Thai tourism, the festival holds deep cultural values that many visitors overlook.

Travel company Vietrantour highlights five common misconceptions that can prevent tourists from fully experiencing Songkran's true significance.

The bathing Buddha ritual during the Songkran festival. Photo: Vietrantour

Songkran is not just a water festival

Many believe Songkran is simply a large-scale community celebration, but it is Thailand's traditional New Year (Wan Songkran). It marks the sun's astrological shift from Pisces to Aries, a time for "washing away" the old year's misfortunes and embracing new beginnings.

Water in traditional ceremonies signifies purification and blessing, rather than just entertainment. Locals visit temples for the bathing Buddha ritual (Song Nam Phra) and pour scented water on elders' hands (Rod Nam Dum Hua) as a sign of respect. Street water fights are an extension of these rituals, blurring social status and nationality in a shared festive atmosphere.

A water "battle" in a lively Bangkok neighborhood. Photo: Vietrantour

Regional celebrations differ

Contrary to popular belief, Songkran celebrations vary significantly across Thailand's regions, each offering a distinct cultural flavor.

Bangkok, a hub of modernity, hosts electronic dance music (EDM) festivals and immense water battles in areas like Silom and Khao San. In contrast, Chiang Mai preserves the ancient Lanna kingdom's traditions, featuring slower-paced Buddha processions and traditional attire. Regions like Samut Prakan celebrate with Mon ethnic customs, including folk games and unique cultural performances.

Songkran in Chiang Mai is rich in culture with religious ceremonies and community activities. Photo: Vietrantour

It is for all ages and groups

The perception that Songkran is exclusively for young people or groups of friends, due to images of all-night music parties, often deters older tourists or families. However, Songkran is the most significant annual family reunion for Thais, similar to Vietnam's Tet holiday.

The festival offers two parallel experiences. Mornings are dedicated to reverence at temples and family meals, while afternoons bring the vibrant street festivities. According to experts from Vietrantour, families can participate in morning rituals to appreciate the cultural beauty, rather than fearing the crowds.

Avoiding crowds and fatigue

While Songkran can be crowded, congestion typically concentrates in specific "hot spots" during certain hours, and a lack of information can lead to exhaustion from the heat and crowds.

For a more relaxed experience, tourists can choose suburban areas or local temples instead of central streets. Many opt to join the festivities for just one day to soak in the atmosphere, then dedicate the remaining time to relaxation or visiting historical sites. This balances cultural immersion with maintaining well-being during April's intense heat.

Tourists immerse themselves in the festive Songkran atmosphere. Photo: Vietrantour

Preparation is key for Songkran

Assuming Songkran is a "come-as-you-are" community festival, many visitors overlook preparation, leading to risks or unintentional cultural offenses.

Beyond packing waterproof phone pouches and quick-drying clothes, understanding local "unwritten rules" is crucial. For example, never splash water on monks, people on duty (police, medical staff), or those driving, to prevent accidents. Additionally, high-pressure water guns are prohibited in many areas for safety.

For first-time visitors, Vietrantour's travel experts recommend a flexible itinerary. Instead of trying to do everything, dedicate one morning to witnessing the bathing Buddha ritual at a temple, one afternoon to joining the street celebrations, and the rest of the time to relaxation or exploring local culture. This selective approach ensures Songkran is a cultural highlight, not a stressful experience.

Thanh Thu