We know where to go during the festivities in Bangkok, but maybe you want to switch it up for this year. Here’s where to travel in Thailand during the Songkran period.
With one of the most lively festivals coming up, people both local and abroad are already making plans. Songkran is celebrated all over Thailand, so maybe you’ve already been to EDM and foam parties in Bangkok, and you wanted to try something a bit different. These destinations in Thailand are worth a visit, especially with all the Songkran holiday leaves you can take.
[Hero and featured image credit: InterContinental Pattaya Resort]
Where to travel for your Songkran vacation in Thailand
Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel
Best for water fights with mountain views
Whether it’s a cultural adventure or a fun-filled stay, Chiang Mai can do it all. Staying in the province during Songkran means that you’ll most likely be 10 minutes away from parades, traditional dance performances, and, of course, water fights — especially around the Old City area.
The Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel just opened, and it’s perfect for those looking to make the most out of their trip. Experience Songkran during the day, then get some late dinner at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar just a brief walk from the hotel. Don’t forget to check out the growing bar scene, too.
You can find more information at Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel.
Pattaya: InterContinental Pattaya Resort
Best for high-energy parties and a long Songkran
Pattaya has always been known as one of the destinations for the party people of Thailand. This Songkran, it’s going to be just like that, with full-blown foam parties and water fights, parades, or even a sand sculpture competition to watch if you want to take a step back for a moment. Plus, with Wan Lai Festival, Pattaya celebrates Songkran until 19 April, so that’s a long time to enjoy the festivities.
You’ll need somewhere to stay comfortably to rest, preferably away from the chaos. The InterContinental Pattaya Resort is perfect to unwind, and then go back to all the water fights when you’re ready.
You can find more information at InterContinental Pattaya Resort.
Hua Hin: SO Sofitel Hua Hin
Best for families, and fun pool action
Hua Hin’s Songkran experience is a bit more lowkey compared to Pattaya, which is actually preferred by many. Look forward to parades and water fights on the streets, with the most bustling day on 13 April — perfect if you want a Songkran experience but want to enjoy the seaside at the same time.
As such, we recommend SO Sofitel Hua Hin if you’re not looking to stay dry for long. Get out for a water fight, then back for some grand pool action with their three outdoor pools, ideal for those with children. Perhaps, treat yourself to a sunbath at the beach right outside.
You can find more information at SO Sofitel Hua Hin.
Samui: Kimpton Kitalay Samui
Best for a relaxing Songkran experience
A trip to Koh Samui can always be described as charming, and it certainly does not lose any of those aspects during Songkran. You’ll find big water fights in the walking streets, as well as at the beach parties. It’s certainly less wild compared to the events in Pattaya, but you’ll also appreciate this more refined vacation vibe.
Kimpton Kitalay Samui’s beachside rooms are perfect to unwind, and act as a one-stop destination for R&R. No need to rush through any crowds as you relax in a private villa, and explore the resort’s many dining options. Going out is optional.
You can find more information at Kimpton Kitalay Samui.
Phuket: Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites
Best for water fights from sunrise till late
If you want to be feel the lively festivities as lively as they are in Bangkok, Phuket is the right place. Songkran is celebrated city-wide from sunrise till well over sunset, especially in the Old Town area. Water fights, beach parties, DJs, cultural performances — you name it, they have it.
Staying by the beach is definitely the best call, yet many of them can get pretty crowded. Head to Mai Khao for an experience less jam-packed with people, but close in proximity so you can still go out and water fight to your heart’s content. Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites is beautiful, and their pool bar is such a relaxing time.
You can find more information at Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites.
Krabi: Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi
Best for when you want to go hiking at 10am and water fighting at 11am
People of Krabi are always looking forward to Songkran. Even though it begins in full swing from around 10am and lasts till evening, there are reports saying people get splashed with water from as early as 6am. The biggest water fight takes place in Ao Nang Beach, although you’ll get soaking wet just by going around the city. It’s also very common for people to put ice into their water before splashing others — it’s the peak of summer, after all.
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi lets you stay near the shore, and has a monkey trail right beside it. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the most out of their trip in Krabi and enjoy Songkran in Thailand all in one. You’ll be able to reach Ao Nang via a short boat ride, balancing busy water fights with rest and respite in your tropical getaway.
You can find more information at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi.
Khon Kaen: Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel
Best for a cultural immersion and plenty of street food
One of the biggest Songkran celebrations in Isaan takes place in Khon Kaen. The shores of Kaen Nakhon Lake come alive with street food stalls, cultural performances, and water fights.
Thereby, it’s better to stay within the vicinity. Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel is one of the more high-end accommodations in the area, with great dining venues and a big pool to relax in or by.
You can find more information at Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel.
Nakhon Si Thammarat: Grand Fortune Hotel Nakhon Si Thammarat
Best for a chill, culture-filled Songkran experience
For a more chill, low-key Songkran trip, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a cultural-filled land of joy. Every year, they hold the Hae Nang Kradan Festival, a long-standing tradition with Brahmic roots. A big parade is held with men in Brahmic attire, and traditional music is played to welcome Shiva’s arrival from heaven.
It’s a great way to experience the culture. Apart from that, water fights can be found throughout the city as with other provinces, so you won’t feel like you’ve been left out from getting soaked.
You can find more information at Grand Fortune Hotel Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day and skinny legend by night, Vichayuth focuses on the hospitality industry of Thailand. You'll often find him at a bar finding new friends, discovering new drinks, and silently judging you from across the room.
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