Thai New Year, known as Songkran, is celebrated from 13th to 16th April. Traditionally, Songkran has always been a time to spend with family elders, particularly parents, as a way of thanks for bringing one up as a child. The family attend the local Buddhist Temple and clean the Buddha images in water and perfume. This is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
These practices are still common, but during modern day Songkran, the most noticeable practise is the throwing of water. Songkran falls at the hottest time of year in Thailand; the end of the hot dry season, before the Southwest Monsoon arrives. Originally, Thais would pay respect to each other, by pouring a small amount of water onto each other's hands. In more recent times, the practice has evolved into full scale water battles, where everybody gets involved in giving each other a thorough soaking. The temperatures are so high that people generally welcome it. Everyone gets involved in the 'sanuk' (Thai, meaning fun), with people from all professions, backgrounds and ages, donning colourful water pistols, buckets, and hoses and, with a smile on their faces, drenching each other. The fun usually calms down by sundown, and then starts again early as the tropical sun rises high in the sky.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Thailand specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Experience the secret garden of Bang Kra Jao by bicycle
Just across the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok lies the city's secret garden — Bang Kra Jao. Only accessible by boat, you must cross the river on a small ferry to reach this beautiful area full of small villages, temples and tropical flora.
Street food walking tour of old Bangkok
You and your guide will walk you through the narrow streets to experience many local sights with various food tastings along the way. Try things like ‘kafae boran’, a classic Thai coffee, or the popular Thai dessert, 'Khanom Thua Paep' (mung bean rice crepe).
The Silk Route of Jim Thompson
Jim Thompson's house is a real highlight of any trip to Bangkok. The house itself is beautifully decorated and preserved and provides a fascinating insight into the life of this mysterious man, who set up a huge empire trading in Thai silk before disappearing whilst walking in the Malaysian highlands in 1967.
Wat Pho & The Grand Palace
An early start will get you to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' early morning chanting ritual and avoid the crowds who arrive later.
Witness chanting at Wat Pho
An early start will get you to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' early morning chanting ritual. Later you will visit the temple grounds and the famous 45-metre Reclining Buddha, and The Grand Palace, Thailand's most important landmark.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
