Many Thai Buddhists commence celebrations by visiting sacred temples to perform the traditional ritual of Song Nam Phra. This involves bathing statues of Buddha in scented water to purify the year to come. Some dedicated worshippers attempt to visit up to nine temples in one day, donating food and pouring water over the hands of monks in return for New Year’s blessings. We recommend visiting Wat Pho and Wat Arun in Bangkok or Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai, popular temples that attract swathes of visitors where travellers can observe this tradition without being disrespectful. Staying at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is a must for its central location and delicious Michelin-starred French restaurant Le Normandie. 

On the first day of Songkran, many Thais return to their hometowns to pay a visit to their parents to thank them for the significant impact they have made on their lives. A ritual called Rod Nam Dam Hua is performed, where rose-scented water is poured over the hands and feet of the village elders to show respect and gratitude. Flower garlands and blessings for the new year are exchanged and families are brought together in celebration. 

Water is a key motif in Songkran, as it symbolises purification and cleanses any adversity and hardship from the year gone by. Festivities have evolved into huge public water fights, where crowds of soaked punters armed with water pistols fill the streets while vendors provide buckets of water for refills. Head to areas such as Silom and Khao San Road in Bangkok and Bangla Road and Patong Beach in Phuket, where you’ll find drenched dancers energetically twirling to drumbeats amongst a sea of floral shirts. Even pickup trucks filled with water join, adding to the fun. We recommend drying off at the Banyan Tree in Phuket, an idyllic escape with excellent spa and meditation facilities.

Plan your Thai New Year escape with handpicked hotels from ASMALLWORLD Collection.