A view of people using water guns and having a water fight next to a parked vehicle during the Bangkok water festival.

Songkran Festival, Bangkok, 2026: Ultimate Guide to the Thai Water Festival

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Songkran Festival Bangkok 2026 takes place from 13-15 April, marking Thailand’s traditional New Year with a city-wide celebration of water, renewal, and community. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Songkran blends centuries-old Buddhist rituals with vibrant street festivities that transform Bangkok into one of the world’s most energetic urban festivals. From ceremonial water blessings at historic temples to large-scale celebrations on Silom and Khao San Road, this guide covers everything you need to plan your experience in 2026.

An aerial view of many people on a waterbody, splashing water with small bowls during the Thai New Year water festival.

What is Songkran and Why Does Bangkok Celebrate it?

Songkran marks the Thai solar New Year, rooted in the Buddhist tradition of cleansing and renewal. The name derives from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti, meaning 'to step into'. Traditionally, scented water is gently poured over Buddha images (Song Nam Phra) and the palms of elders (Rod Nam Dam Hua) as an act of purification and respect. Over time, these ceremonial rituals evolved into the large-scale, joyful street water battles now recognised globally.

UNESCO officially recognised Songkran’s cultural depth in December 2023, adding it to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list as a celebration essential to Southeast Asian identity. Bangkok celebrates Songkran with unmatched scale and energy—millions of locals and international visitors descend on the city each April, making it one of the world's great urban festivals.

A portrait image of a woman holding two water guns on each hand wearing a sleeveless tank top and a jean next to a building with full glass wall.

A view of a small girl holding a plastic device with water spraying at the top on a play ground with a slide in the distance.

Top Songkran Festival, Bangkok, Spots in 2026

Bangkok's Songkran celebrations spread across several distinct zones, each offering a different atmosphere. All are accessible by BTS or MRT from Night Hotel Bangkok at BTS Asok / MRT Sukhumvit.

Silom Road

Silom Road is Bangkok's most iconic Songkran battleground and the undisputed heart of the Bangkok water festival. The entire stretch is closed due to traffic for the duration of the festival, transforming into a pedestrian arena packed with tens of thousands of revellers. People fight with water guns, and the DJ stages pump music from late morning through the evening. Silom Soi 2 is home to some of the most energetic parties, attracting a diverse crowd of locals and international visitors well into the night.

A view of many children playing in a waterbody with all wearing swimming costumes and some having a water gun.

A view of three children in swimming costumes throwing a bucket of water on an adult in the park with trees in the background.

1. Travelling from Night Hotel Bangkok: 30–35 minutes via Sukhumvit Station to Si Lom Station.
2. Timings: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight.
3. Best for: High-intensity water battles, DJs, nightlife.

Khao San Road

Khao San Road is the backpacker epicentre of the Thai New Year water festival and the loudest zone in the city during Songkran. With the road fully pedestrianised, the street becomes a playground of foam cannons and super soakers. International tourists make up a significant share of the crowd here, making it one of the most culturally diverse Songkran experiences in Bangkok. Street food stalls and bars operate throughout the day to keep energy levels up between water battles.

A view of a small child in swimming gear and goggled inside a waterbody holding a water gun ready to shoot with a lawn area in the background.

A close up of a small child screaming and shooting a water gun and water being sprayed from the gun in the backyard of a house.

1. Travelling from Night Hotel Bangkok: 40–50 minutes via MRT - Asok to Sanam Chai Station, then a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride.
2. Timings: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
3. Best for: Nonstop celebrations, international crowd, street food

Siam Square

Siam Square offers a more balanced and family-friendly Songkran experience. The area draws a predominantly younger, Thai crowd and sits adjacent to Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, providing easy access to air-conditioned shopping centres for midday breaks. Water fights are concentrated around the square and nearby streets, with the intensity building through the afternoon. It is an ideal zone for those who want to experience the Songkran Festival in Bangkok, without the full intensity of Silom or Khao San.

A small child in a swimming pool, holding a water gun and shooting the water at someone.

A close up of a child using a brass tap fixed to a wall to refill a water gun.

1. Travelling from Night Hotel Bangkok: Approximately 30 minutes via MRT - Asok to Siam Station
2. Timings: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
3. Best for: Families, youth crowd, combined shopping and Songkran

RCA (Royal City Avenue) and Thonglor

For the evening dimension of Songkran, RCA and Thong Lo are Bangkok's go-to nightlife zones. After the street water fights wind down, major clubs in both areas host foam parties, international DJ events, and late-night celebrations. The Siam Songkran Music Festival at RCA is one of the most anticipated ticketed events of the festival period. This zone is best suited to those looking to extend their Songkran experience well past sunset.

A close up of a small child shooting a water gun with the water spraying towards the side of the camera.

A close up of a small child with a firm expression, filling up his water gun from a bucket kept on a paved street.

1. Travelling from Night Hotel Bangkok:A boat ride from Nana Chard Pier to Thinglor Pier, approximately 40 minutes | 25–35 minutes to RCA via Tuk Tuk/Taxi.
2. Timings:4:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight
3. Best for:Nightlife, foam parties, international DJ events

3-Day Songkran Festival, Bangkok, Itinerary

Day 1 (13 April): Morning merit-making at Wat Phra Kaew to experience the traditional, ceremonial side of Songkran. Afternoon water battles on Silom Road. Evening foam party at Thonglor.
Day 2 (14 April): Full day at Khao San Road—the peak Songkran day. Wind down in the evening with street food and shopping at Jodd Fairs Night Market or Asiatique The Riverfront.
Day 3 (15 April): Morning water fights at Siam Square, then return to Night Hotel Bangkok for rooftop pool recovery and cocktails at Flava Lite Rooftop Bar.

A close up of a small child using a water spray device and shooting water from it while also being sprayed from it with vegetation next to him.

A view of Night Hotel Bangkok's Facade with long exposure of the vehicles travelling on the road as seen during the night - A Hotel Close to Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok.

Where to Stay: Night Hotel Bangkok

Ideally situated on Sukhumvit Soi 15 near BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit, Night Hotel Bangkok places the city's top Songkran zones just a quick train ride away. The hotel blends Eastern tradition with contemporary design—traditional wai greetings, artful chedi bells, and mosaic-tiled interiors set an immediate tone of character and comfort. Its rooftop pool and Flava dining outlets make it equally suited to post-Songkran recovery as it is to pre-festival preparation. The property is also one of Bangkok's few pet-friendly hotels.

1. Rooms:195 rooms and suites across 12 categories, all equipped with premium amenities.

2. Dining:3 dining options, including a multi-cuisine restaurant, a lounge bar, and a rooftop pool cafe.

3. Facilities:A rooftop pool, 24-hour gym, boutique spa, business centre, and complimentary tuk-tuk shuttle

4. Offers:Exclusive direct website booking perks with eye-catching discounts on stays.

Overview of the Rooftop Pool Area with a lounger in view and a high-rise building in the background at Night Hotel Bangkok, one of the best Hotels Near Nana Plaza Bangkok.

The Songkran Festival in Bangkok is a truly unique experience, blending sacred ancient rituals with an electrifying city-wide celebration. Whether you are pouring ceremonial water at a temple at dawn or getting drenched on Silom Road by noon, Bangkok during Songkran is an experience unlike any other. Book your stay at Night Hotel Bangkok early, and arrive ready to welcome the Thai New Year water festival in style.

FAQs

1. When is the Songkran Festival in Bangkok, 2026?

13 to 15 April 2026. The festival coincides with Thailand's national public holidays, with 14 April being the peak day for water fights across all zones.

2. What is the Bangkok water festival?

The Bangkok water festival is the popular term for Songkran—Thailand's traditional New Year celebration, in which water splashing symbolises cleansing and renewal. In December 2023, the festival earned its place as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

3. Which is the best spot for the Songkran Festival in Bangkok?

Silom Road for the most intense water battles, Khao San Road for nonstop international celebrations, Siam Square for families, and RCA/Thonglor for evening foam parties.

4. What should I wear and bring to the Thai New Year water festival?

Light, quick-dry clothing and water-friendly footwear. Bring a waterproof phone pouch, sealed bag, reef-safe sunscreen, and cash in a waterproof wallet. Leave passports and valuables at your hotel. April temperatures reach 34–38°C—stay hydrated.

5. Can I experience the traditional side of Songkran in Bangkok?

Yes. Visit Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, or Wat Arun on the morning of 13 April for merit-making and the ceremonial water-pouring ritual. Dress modestly and refrain from engaging in water play on temple grounds.

6. How do I get around Bangkok during Songkran?

Avoid traffic by using the BTS and MRT, as road closures make taxis rare. Night Hotel Bangkok’s free tuk-tuk shuttle provides a direct link to both the Asok and Sukhumvit stations.

7. Why is Night Hotel Bangkok a good base for Songkran?

Based on Sukhumvit Soi 15, you’re perfectly positioned with direct transit to Siam, Silom, and Khao San in under 50 minutes. The rooftop pool, Coran Spa, and Flava dining make post-Songkran recovery effortless.

8. How far in advance should I book for the Songkran Festival, Bangkok, 2026?

With only two months left, you should book immediately as hotels fill up fast. Night Hotel Bangkok is a top choice for the Thai New Year water festival, so secure your room now to ensure a prime base for the Bangkok water festival before it sells out.