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  • Here's How To Celebrate Songkran Like A Local in Thailand!

    Team Klook
    Team Klook
    Last updated 24 Oct 2024
    Songkran water festival festivities

    Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand Facebook & Pexels

    Happy Songkran! 

    Get soaked in Songkran!
    An annual celebration marking the Buddhist New Year in Thailand, merriment and traditional rituals fill the streets during this exciting festival. Don't be surprised to encounter water fights on the streets as this event is also known as the Water Splashing Festival! Prepare extra clothes because it's about to get wet and wild! 
    Attending the next Songkran festival? Here's where and how you can celebrate the Thai New Year like a local!
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    1. Get soaked in water fights

    People water fight in the street
    Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand Facebook
    Be a good sport and enjoy a thrilling game of water fights with friendly strangers on the streets. Many major Songkran-related events hold fun water fights all over Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hat Yai, and Phuket so it won't be hard to join one. Who knows? You might even gain new friends along the way!

    2. Visit their majestic temples and make offerings

    Entrance of the temple
    Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand Facebook
    Thailand takes pride in their majestic temples, and the festive season of Songkran is a great time to visit them. Join locals as they start the Buddhist new year right by visiting temples to make merits. They also offer food to monks and seek blessings as they welcome a brand new year.  

    3. Pour scented water over Buddha statues

    People offering prayer in the temple
    Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand Facebook
    The Songkran festival honors Thai culture and heritage so this is the perfect opportunity to take part in local traditions. One of which is the pouring of scented water over Buddha statues. A practice that symbolizes purification and cleansing, join the Thais in welcoming the new year with a clean, fresh slate.

    4. Pour scented water on the hands of elders

    Pouring water in the hand of the elders
    Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand Facebook
    During Songkran, Thais return to their hometowns to be with their families. They also take this time to participate in traditional rituals like the pouring of scented water on the hands of their elders. Believed to be a sign of respect, this shows how Thais value their families a lot. So if you are spending Songkran with your homies, specifically with an elder relative, then take this opportunity to shower them with love and enjoy your memorable family bonding!

    5.  Wear comfortable colorful clothes

    Girls with colorful and elegant thai clothes
    Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand Facebook
    Songkran is one big happy celebration so feel free to be in your festive colors. And don't forget to wear comfortable ones at that. Believe us, this will come in handy the moment you step onto the streets to join the water fights. You'll be wet yet in style!

    6. Get ready to commute

    Toktok ride
    Source: Pexels
    As there will be water fights almost everywhere, many streets are expected to close. Hence, you will have to learn to navigate the city by commuting! Don't worry as commuting is easy and safe in Thailand. For a convenient ride, we urge you to check out the place you'll be visiting beforehand. Virtual maps are pretty reliable too! 

    7. Have a feast 

    Vendor selling in the river market in thailand
    Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand Facebook
    Songkran festival is a party so go have a feast! Immerse in the local scene and check out what's hot in the street markets. Enjoy a variety of delicious and authentic Thai food as you take a break from all that wet fun!

    8. Pray for blessings

    Monks praying
    Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand Facebook
    A Songkran celebration is not complete without praying for good fortune, peace, and love. Attract a wonderful new year by manifesting positivity into your life. Clean out the negative energy as you pose your mind to receive tremendous blessings! Happy Songkran!
    Thailand Local Traffic Guide during Songkran (refer to: Penghu Local Traffic Guide)

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