Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, is a public holiday from Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 April 2027: the dates were set by the Bank of Thailand in its holiday calendar published in August 2026, and no bridge day is added. 13 April is Maha Songkran Day, 14 April the transition day (Wan Nao), 15 April the first day of the new year (Wan Thaloeng Sok). Inscribed in 2023 on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Songkran is first a family and religious festival, before being the great water fight that takes over the streets. In Bangkok, the city sets up supervised water-play zones, the main one on Silom Road, and rituals around the temples. The 2027 programme has not yet been published: the dates and rules below are those of Songkran 2026, which follow a stable pattern from one year to the next.
Highlights
The Silom Road water fight
Bang Rak district closes Silom Road to traffic between the Sala Daeng and Narathiwas intersections. In 2026, the festival ran from 12 to 14 April, with water play from 1pm to 9pm, and drew more than 650,000 people over three days according to the district. Entry is through security gates at both intersections and in the side streets.
Khao San Road
The backpacker street is the other big water-play venue, in the Banglamphu area. In 2026, the [Khao San Road](/fr/attractions/khao-san-road) zone was open from 13 to 15 April from noon to midnight, with water play stopping strictly at 10pm, entry via Chakrabongse Road and exit via Tanao Road, and alcohol sales banned within the perimeter.
Bathing the Buddha images
The central gesture of Songkran is pouring scented water over Buddha statues, as a sign of respect and purification. For the occasion, temples set out statues under golden parasols, as [Wat Pho](/fr/attractions/wat-pho-bangkok) did for Songkran 2025. In 2026, the city also displayed the Phra Phuttha Sihing, one of the most revered statues in the country, brought out of the National Museum, at Lan Khon Mueang, the City Hall forecourt, from 12 to 14 April.
Sand stupas
In temple courtyards, worshippers build small sand stupas decorated with colourful flags. Tradition has it that this returns to the temple the sand carried away on the soles of one's shoes during the year.
Rod nam dam hua
Young people pour scented water over the hands of their parents and elders, who give them their blessing in return. 13 April is also National Elderly Day and 14 April Family Day.
Organised festivals
In 2026, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held the Maha Songkran World Water Festival in Benjakitti Park from 11 to 15 April, with a parade and Buddha bathing. Siam Square, the Banthat Thong area near Chulalongkorn University, CentralWorld and Iconsiam also hosted water play and concerts.
Infos pratiques
Tips
In the zones run by the city, high-pressure water guns (PVC tubes, modified guns), powder and alcohol were banned in 2026, as was clothing deemed indecent; the Royal Thai Police set a fine of up to THB 4,000 for high-pressure guns. Only splash people who are playing: monks, elderly people, drivers and passers-by in work clothes are spared. Keep your phone, passport and cash in a waterproof pouch, wear light quick-drying clothes and closed shoes that stay on when wet. Banks and government offices are closed from 13 to 15 April 2027. April is the hottest month: average highs approach 36°C. To choose your dates, see [the best time to visit Bangkok](/fr/articles/meilleure-periode-visiter-bangkok). Information as observed in October 2026.
How to get there
Silom Road, Bang Rak district, Bangkok 10500. BTS Sala Daeng (Silom line) or MRT Si Lom (Blue Line), at the Sala Daeng intersection. For Khao San Road: MRT Sam Yot then a 20-minute walk, or boat to Phra Arthit pier. Closed streets and crowds make taxis and tuk-tuks very slow: take the metro, and empty your water gun before entering the stations.
Nearby
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