The peak of summer calls for the wettest celebration of the year. Staying near the water fights zones is also a big plus, so let us recommend nearby hotels perfect for Songkran.
Some celebrations are so big that people plan their whole year around them, and Songkran is one of them. Locals enjoy big water fights all over the country, and international friends fly in to participate. So, knowing where to book hotels for Songkran is essential. After the long, hard, and very wet activities, you’ll want somewhere nearby to rest up and get ready for what’s next on the itinerary.
Here are the best hotels in Bangkok that are near all the action this Songkran.
[Hero and featured image credit: sala rattanakosin Bangkok/Facebook]
The best hotels to stay near the water fight hotspots in Bangkok this Songkran
Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok
1.6km from Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and Sanam Luang
Every year, Maha Songkran World Water Festival is hosted by the government, and is the biggest Songkran activity zone. Highlights include water fight zones, water tunnels pools, and a huge parade on April 11 featuring over 1,000 performers.
Near both Ratchadamnoen Klang and Sanam Luang is Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok, just a short motorcycle taxi ride away. The gorgeous riverside dining venue will prep you up for the eventful nights, and waking up to the view of Wat Arun is certainly a very special experience.
Location: 39 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: MRT Sanam Chai
Vibes: Traditional performances and huge parades
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G
Near Silom
Silom is the perfect place for Songkran. The people are accommodating, the all-around energy is nothing but lively, and street stalls selling food and drinks line the street. So, you’ll see a very cosmopolitan atmosphere as tourists and locals come together in Silom and splash each other with water. You’ll also find a few pool parties nearby with DJs and poolside bars that are a must-visit during peak summer.
Pullman G is just a walk away from the water fight zones, and their rooftop bar deals are great for before going out, as the happy hours on drinks are just right for pre-game.
Location: 188 Silom Rd, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok
Nearest station: BTS Silom
Vibes: Fun and gay, allies very welcome
Riva Surya Bangkok
800 metres from Khaosan Road
Khaosan Road goes wild during Songkran, with a huge number of people, music blasting from the bars, and people putting wet powder on you every 10 seconds. If you need anything for the water fights, from water guns to a fresh change of clothes, these are available right outside by the main road. An array of taxis and motorcycles are also available to catch there whenever you want to tap out.
Just a walk away from Khaosan is Riva Surya, with a riverside dining venue and an all-around relaxing hideout — a welcoming contrast to the liveliness you’ll be experiencing.
Location: 23 Phra Athit Rd, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Nearest station: MRT Bang Yi Khan
Vibes: Energetic, goes until late, full of people
Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
Approximately 20 steps from Siam
With Chulalongkorn University just a short walk away, as well as easy access on public transportation, Siam’s crowd is young and full of energy. That means that if you splash water at someone, they won’t hesitate to do it back right away. Nevertheless, when it gets crowded, it can be a hassle to even get onto the sky trains, in Siam so staying in the area is much preferred by many.
Siam Kempinski is perfect for this scenario. It’s right in the Siam area, opposite Siam Paragon. You’ll have access to all the food and shopping there, along with the award-winning Thai dining destination Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin on the ground floor of the hotel.
Location: 991, 9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: BTS Siam
Vibes: Younger crowd, especially lively in the late afternoon
Centara Grand at CentralWorld
An elevator ride away from CentralWorld
Every Songkran, big water fights also take place around CentralWorld. The streets are crowded with people, and it’s especially wet at the square in front of the department store. You get a more well-rounded experience here, as it’s not as wild as Khaosan, but not as chill as Sanam Luang. It’s more an open space, rather than a steet-long water fight like in Silom.
If that sounds like your jam, Centara Grand is located right above CentralWorld. You’ll be able to quickly participate and go back to take breaks, as well as watch all the action from your room.
Location: 999, 99 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Nearest station: BTS Chidlom or Siam
Vibes: Big water fight in open area, fun but not too wild
Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok
2km from RCA
If you’re planning to participate in the S2O Songkran Music Festival, Somerset Rama 9 is just a short motorcycle taxi ride away. Rama 9 is quite chill compared to big events in Khaosan or Silom, but you’ll find full-fledged parties in the clubs throughout the area, as well as the music festival. If you’re already booked into Somerset, you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Location: 22 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok
Nearest station: MRT Rama 9
Vibes: Parties, DJs, plenty of booze