When is Songkran Festival 2024?
Songkran Festival is celebrated from April 13th to April 15th every year. There is an official opening ceremony on 13th April to mark the start of the Songkran Festival in big cities of Thailand. In many places of Thailand, the holiday extends to 5–10 days or more. You might be curious about why the Thai New Year is in April. The Thais migrated from southern China into Thailand around 200 BC. Their calendar was lunar, but after migrating southwards they had to adapt to the different temperatures of Central Thailand, and they decided to switch New Year to April, to coincide with the end of the dry season.
The Three Days of Songkran
April 13th: The first day of the new year is known as Song Nam Phra ('Pouring Water on Monks') Day. There are processions of Buddha images all across the country. This is the day when the biggest water
fights happen.
April 14th: This day is also known as Wan Nao and it celebrates the old Thai New Year's Eve. This is also National Family Day when everyone is encouraged to spend quality time with their families.
April 15th: On this day, the New Year begins. This day is also known as Wan Payawan ('Bathing Buddha') Day. There are parties and celebrations everywhere, with ongoing water fights, concerts, street food, and much more!
How to Celebrate Songkran Festival
There are many traditional activities held during Songkran Festival, including the famous water splashing, cleaning houses and Buddha statues, merit-making in temples, as well as exciting street and beach Songkran parties.

Top Places to Celebrate Songkran in Chiang Mai 2024

Alright, hold onto your water guns and get ready to make a splash, because we’re about to dive into the ultimate guide to celebrating Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai! Known for its rich history and cultural significance, this vibrant city is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the wildest and wettest festival in Southeast Asia. So, let’s take a journey through the top spots to soak up the fun and festivities during this epic celebration!

Thapae Gate:

Join the fun during Songkran in Chiang Mai, 2024. 

If you’re looking for a wild and wet time during the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai, then Thapae Gate should definitely be on your list of destinations! This ancient city gate transforms into a water wonderland where everyone is invited to join in on the fun. With water guns, buckets, and hoses at the ready, locals and tourists alike get soaked to the bone as they splash around in the festivities. It’s a chaotic and colorful experience that you won’t want to miss out on!

Nimmanhaemin Road:

Looking for a hip and happening place to celebrate Songkran in Chiang Mai? Look no further than Nimmanhaemin Road! This trendy and bustling street is a hub of excitement during the festival, with revellers splashing water on each other and dancing to the beat of thumping music from the DJs. Don’t miss out on the tasty treats and refreshing drinks from the vendors as you soak in the cultural festivities and activities. Nimmanhaemin Road is the perfect spot for those seeking a vibrant and dynamic Songkran experience.

Ping River:

Hop on a boat and sail away to a refreshing take on the Songkran festivities at Ping River in Chiang Mai! Get a unique view of the festival as you glide along the serene waters and soak up the sun. Take in the vibrant energy from a distance, or join in on the water wars as you cruise by the riverbanks, where partygoers are splashing and having a blast! The Ping River is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the city center, allowing you to experience the festival from a new perspective.

Wat Phra Singh:

Welcome to the holy grounds of Wat Phra Singh, a temple that knows how to party during the Songkran festival in Chiang Mai! The temple is not just a place of worship but also a hub of cultural celebrations.

Visitors can witness traditional ceremonies and rituals that honor the spiritual significance of the festival. And when it’s time to get wet and wild, the temple grounds turn into a water fight paradise, with everyone joining in on the fun in a respectful and joyful manner. So, come on down to Wat Phra Singh and get ready to experience the spiritual and playful sides of Songkran!

Chang Puak Gate:

If you want to make a splash during the Songkran in Chiang Mai 2024, then head over to the Chang Puak Gate. This historic landmark transforms into a wet and wild utopia during the festival, with locals and tourists unleashing their water guns and buckets in an epic water fight. But that’s not all – you can also enjoy traditional cultural performances and soak up the festive atmosphere. Get ready to make a splash and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Get ready to soak in the fun, because Chiang Mai is the place to be for Songkran Festival in Thailand! With its deep-rooted history and cultural significance, this city has become a go-to destination for locals and travelers alike looking to celebrate the Thai New Year. The top spots to join in the festivities include the wild water fight zone of Thapae Gate, the trendy Nimmanhaemin Road with its cultural events and street parties, the serene Ping River where you can relax and enjoy a boat ride, the spiritual ceremonies at Wat Phra Singh, and the vibrant atmosphere of Chang Puak Gate with its traditional performances. Just be ready for the crowds and traffic, because the party is always in full swing during Songkran in Chiang Mai

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