Songkran festival: New Year Celebrations Across Southeast Asia

We totally adore Songkran - it's Southeast Asia's biggest and best water festival that celebrates the old/new year! The Songkran Festival celebrated throughout Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia unites people together in the coolest way possible.

For Songkran Festival 2025, you’ll witness streets turn into complete water warfare zones from April 13-15. We can imagine now: You'll be splashing strangers with water guns in Bangkok's Khao San Road, getting soaked during Laos' "Pi Mai," participating in Myanmar's "Thingyan" festivities, or enjoying Cambodia's "Choul Chnam Thmey." We promise you’ll be wet in minutes whichever country we travel to!

But we must not forget there's a lovely meaning behind the madness. The water represents washing away our ill fortune of last year. You will see families going to temples, pouring scented water over Buddha statues, and elderly hands tenderly as a symbol of respect.

What we love most about Songkran is the way that it brings us all together beyond borders. We're all game in this celebration of fun that unites Southeast Asia in a splash of cultural heritage and unadulterated fun!

What is the Songkran Festival?

The Songkran festival is the traditional New Year celebrated in Thailand and some neighboring countries. It usually takes place from April 13 to April 15, but celebrations often continue for a few days more. The word "Songkran" comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "to move" or "change place", showing the sun’s shift from one zodiac sign to another.

This change is not just in the stars. It also marks a new beginning in people’s lives. Families come together, people clean their homes, visit temples, and take part in fun street water fights. The Songkran festival is known all over the world for these joyful water celebrations.