It’s time once again to set aside our frustrations, grievances and responsibilities to enjoy a wet, weird and wonderful break.
Songkran, our biggest holiday officially starts Monday, but the party will definitely start throughout Bangkok this weekend and continue beyond.
Whether you’re a committed watery warrior, just want a little family-friendly fun or a grump looking to avoid it all, Coconuts Bangkok has this list of hotspot conflict zones where you can have a blast getting wet.
1. Silom Road
Photo: James Antrobus
The biggest, wettest and definitely freakiest Songkran celebration will unfold once again on Silom Road, though enough naughty incidents over the years have prompted the Moral Powers That Be to declare the street a “safe zone” with the “4 Nos” rules, meaning no powder, no alcohol, no sexy and no danger.
Yeah right. Given those four prohibited things are core to today’s Spirit of Songkran, we don’t foresee much compliance.
3pm – 9pm, April 12-14
2. Khaosan Road
Khaosan, that stretch of road sacred to backpackers the world over, is a first-stop for many visitors, and it’s pretty much anything goes during Songkran here, from freaky dancing to rampant pickpocketing. Given you’ll be fighting in a multinational force mostly comprised of farang, aggressiveness is guaranteed. Experience Songkran with the travelers who come to Thailand to fight, and the locals who come to Khaosan Road to check out the travelers.
April 13 – 15
3. Siam Square
A trendy district for teens is transformed into a water fight arena during Songkran Holiday with DJs and live bands to serve the teen taste. The event this year goes along the usual theme of the Thai checker-print sarong, so be sure to wear your loincloth proudly.
Noon – 7pm, April 13 – 15,
4. Central World
Photo: Painaidii
First things first, there’s unlimited free water for all here! The huge space in front of Central World shopping mall has become another landmark for Songkran among the fancy shoppers where you can pause from the splash-and-dash long enough to step in and out of the aircon building.
This year’s highlight is the “carnival zone,” where wet visitors can also enjoy a ride on a ferris wheel and merry-go-round or they can get even wetter and soapier in the “foam party zone.”
All of the water fight and fun rides will go down amid concerts from mainstream Thai bands such as Big Ass, Potato, Getsunova and more.
Noon – 9pm, April 13-15
5. Sanam Luang
Photo: Uwe Schwarzbach
On the large field next to the iconic Wat Phra Kaew, officials will hold a traditional Songkran celebration hearkening to a time the festival was not about water fights. Travel back in time to a reimagining of tradition where Thais started off the New Year with Tak Bat (offering food to monks) and taking their grannies out to the temples. Traditional performances will be held through the holidays and all are family-friendly.
April 12-15
6. RCA
Photo: Route 66
The night party restricted for adult fun, RCA is the place to Songkran hot dudes and ladies in an intentionally see-through tank top. The clubs in RCA will start holding wet events Saturday, and the street will crawl with partiers.
April 11-16, 7pm – late
7. Phlaeng Faa Fai Fort
Check out the would-be Miss Songkrans April 17 – 19 at this city-organized, family-friendly event. Learn how to play traditional and descriptively named games such as “Snake eats the tail,” “Hide the Cloth Behind your Back,” and “Catching the Last One in the Line of People.” More info here.
April 17 – 19
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