Songkran 2027: Dates, Where to Go and Safety Tips

Songkran is Thailand's traditional new year, and in 2027 it runs from Tuesday 13 April to Thursday 15 April. That is the short answer, and unlike some festivals the dates are well supported: the Bank of Thailand's 2027 holiday list, as reported by Nation Thailand on 28 August 2026, closes banks on all three days. This guide covers what each day means, where to celebrate, how to dress and what to watch out for.

We checked the sources on 2026-10-16. The TAT events list had no Songkran 2027 entry yet; TAT's most recent Songkran listing is for 2026 (Saneh Art by Songkran Festival at Lumpini Park, 11-15 April 2026), so city programmes for 2027 are not announced.

The dates and what we can confirm

Nation Thailand also notes that 2027 has 18 bank holidays and that the Songkran days do not create a long weekend. If you plan to travel, remember that offices and banks are closed on 13-15 April; that is also why intercity buses, trains and flights are busy in the days before and after.

Some cities hold their own water days outside 13-15 April. Wikipedia describes the eastern region's "Wan Lai", which runs after the national holiday, from Bang Saen on 16-17 April to Pattaya on 18-19 April, with some events later. Treat those as customary dates and check the local announcement in April.

What the festival is

According to UNESCO's entry, Songkran marks the sun's passage into the Aries constellation in mid-April, when families reunite and honour elders, ancestors and Buddha images, and pouring water symbolises cleansing, reverence and good fortune. Wikipedia describes the traditional elements:

• Merit-making. The day often begins by offering food to monks.
• Rod nam dam hua. Pouring scented water over the hands of elders to ask for their blessing.
• Bathing Buddha images. A purification ritual at temples.
• Sand pagodas. Built in temple grounds as an offering.
• Water play. The public water fights that most visitors know, with some streets closed to traffic for them.

The water play and the family rituals are different things. If you want the traditional side, go to a temple in the morning and keep a respectful distance; if you want the street party, choose a designated area and follow the local rules.

Where to celebrate

TAT and common practice point to a few regular stages. Check the exact programme in April.

• Chiang Mai. Famous for water fights along the old city moat. Our Chiang Mai hub, 3-day plan and where to stay are the starting points; the airport transfer guide helps with arrivals on a busy week.
• Bangkok. Wikipedia names Silom Road and Khao San Road as hubs for the modern street celebration. TAT listed a large Maha Songkran water festival at Ratchadamnoen Road and Sanam Luang in 2024 and 2025 and a Songkran art event at Lumpini Park in 2026, so central Bangkok sites change from year to year. See where to stay in Bangkok, the Bangkok 3-day plan and best time to visit Bangkok.
• Pattaya and the east. The eastern "Wan Lai" celebration runs after the main days; see the Pattaya hub and Pattaya things to do.
• Isaan and smaller towns. TAT lists local Songkran festivals such as the Isaan Great Songkran Festival in Nong Khai, with merit-making and a Buddha image procession. See Isaan.

What to wear and bring

Travellers sometimes forget the practical points: monks, elders, babies and anyone on a motorbike should not be targeted, and water is poured gently on elders rather than thrown. If you do not want to get wet, stay away from the main streets on 13-15 April.

Safety and road risk

The period is known locally as the "seven dangerous days". Wikipedia cites police data for 2009 to 2013 of about 52 road deaths a day during Songkran against about 27 on ordinary days, with roughly 70 to 80 per cent of holiday accidents involving motorbikes. Those figures are old and we could not find a current official number, but the message is current: avoid renting a motorbike for the festival, travel by day and book intercity transport early. Our Thailand safety, scams and health guide has more, and Thailand getting around covers trains, buses and flights.

Emergency numbers: 191 police, 1669 medical, 1155 Tourist Police.

Getting there and booking

The booking boxes on this page show a Bangkok to Chiang Mai transport search on 12Go (a registered link). It is a route search, not a Songkran ticket, and we picked it because Chiang Mai is the city most readers choose for the festival. See Bangkok to Chiang Mai for the options. We have no registered link for festival events or for hotels in the festival cities, so we show no prices and no discounts. As Songkran falls midweek, the days around it are likely to be busy; book transport early and check refund terms.

Planning a trip around it

April is the hottest month in much of Thailand, so the water is welcome. Use Thailand best time by region for the climate, and the 7-day itinerary if you are building a route that includes Songkran. Because the days sit midweek, many Thai residents take extra leave to make a long break, so expect crowded destinations either side of the festival.

FAQ

Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.