Is it wise to go to Bangkok during Songkran?
Songkran, Thailand’s New Year festival held from April 13 to 15, is one of the most exciting times to visit Bangkok. The city is filled with water fights, music, and parades in areas like Khao San Road and Silom, while temples host traditional ceremonies for those seeking a cultural experience. But with the fun comes heavy traffic, large crowds, and safety concerns.
Is it wise to go to Bangkok during Songkran
In this article, we will look at whether it’s a good idea to visit Bangkok during Songkran and what to expect if you do.
Pros of visiting Bangkok during Songkran
Unique cultural experience
Songkran in Bangkok is a great chance to see Thai culture up close. Many people visit famous temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho to take part in special rituals. One common tradition is pouring water over Buddha statues, which is believed to wash away bad luck and bring a fresh start for the new year. Some temples also hold merit-making activities, like donating to monks or releasing fish into rivers.
At places like Sanam Luang, visitors can enjoy cultural shows with Thai music, dancing, and even traditional parades. Songkran is also a time when Thai families come together to show respect to elders by pouring water over their hands. These moments help travellers understand Thai values and traditions in a real and meaningful way.
Fun and festive atmosphere
Bangkok turns into one big party during Songkran. Streets like Silom Road and Khao San Road are packed with people having water fights using water guns, buckets, and hoses. The water fun is more than just play—it also stands for washing away the past and starting fresh.
Music fills the air with live DJs and bands playing along the roads. Street food vendors offer tasty Thai dishes and drinks to keep the energy up. Even smaller neighbourhoods join in, bringing people together to celebrate. The city’s joyful mood makes Songkran in Bangkok an unforgettable experience.
More affordable travel options
Travelling during Songkran can be busy, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Booking flights and hotels early helps you find better prices. Travelling just before or after the main dates (April 13 to 15) can also save money.
You can also stay in less touristy areas like Ari or Banglamphu to find cheaper rooms. Hostels and guesthouses are good options too and often give a more local feel. With a bit of planning and flexibility, you can enjoy Songkran in Bangkok without spending too much.
Something for everyone
No matter what you enjoy, Songkran in Bangkok has something for you. Big music festivals like Siam Songkran and S2O bring together Thai and international artists. These events are lively, with food, drinks, and dancing all day and night.
If you prefer a quieter time, you can visit temples, museums, or art galleries for a more peaceful experience. You can also take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River to see the city from the water. Whether you love music, and culture, or just want to soak in the atmosphere, Bangkok offers plenty of choices during Songkran.
An easy way to explore the city
Songkran is also a fun time to explore Bangkok. The Bangkok Day Pass can help make your trip easier and more affordable. It gives you access to over 30 attractions and activities, including famous places like the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and the Jim Thompson House.
The pass also includes special experiences like a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. During Songkran, the riverbanks are full of lights and decorations, making the views even more special. Some passes even include access to Songkran events, such as water fights or cultural shows. Using the day pass helps you enjoy both the city and the festival with less hassle and more value.
Cons of visiting Bangkok during Songkran
Overcrowding in popular areas
One major downside of visiting Bangkok during Songkran is the heavy crowds. Places like Khao San Road and Silom Road get packed with people, especially in the afternoon and evening. It’s hard to move around, and walking through these areas can feel slow and tiring. The crowds often flow in one direction, so changing direction or leaving quickly isn’t easy.
Large crowds can also raise safety concerns. It’s harder for emergency services to reach people, and accidents can happen in tightly packed spaces. Even with some crowd control in place, the streets can still feel overwhelming.
Heat and discomfort
April is Bangkok’s hottest month, with temperatures between 30°C and 40°C. The heat, along with outdoor water fights and busy streets, can be exhausting. While getting wet might cool you down for a bit, walking around in wet clothes under the sun isn’t very comfortable.
The heat also increases the risk of dehydration, especially if people drink alcohol and forget to stay hydrated. Plus, some water used in fights may not be clean, which could lead to stomach issues.
Limited services
During Songkran, many shops, restaurants, and businesses close or change their hours. This can make it harder to find food, buy things, or even get basic items. Some popular places shut down for the whole festival, and others may only open for a few hours.
Even convenience stores or pharmacies might close, so it’s a good idea to stock up before the festival or explore and find out which places stay open.
Safety concerns
Songkran is known for a high number of road accidents, especially during the days of the holiday. Many accidents happen due to drunk driving or unsafe behaviour during water fights. Motorbikes are involved in most of these crashes and the wet roads often make it worse.
There are also reports of harassment and inappropriate behaviour in crowded areas and with big groups and loud celebrations, it’s important to stay alert and be careful. Have fun but keep an eye out.
Environmental impact
Songkran uses a huge amount of water, which can be wasteful—especially in areas that face water shortages. The festival also leaves behind lots of trash, like plastic bottles and broken water guns.
The lack of recycling and proper waste disposal adds to the problem. Visitors can help by using reusable bottles and eco-friendly water gear and by cleaning up after themselves.
Tips for visiting Bangkok during Songkran
Songkran in Bangkok is full of energy and fun, but it’s important to be prepared. These tips will help you stay safe and comfortable and enjoy the festival.
Get ready for water fights
- Protect your things: Use waterproof bags or pouches for your phone, wallet, and other items. You can find these sold on the streets, especially around Silom Road.
- Wear the right clothes: Choose light clothes that dry quickly. You’ll get wet, so avoid heavy or thick fabrics.
- Respect local customs: Don’t splash water on monks, children, or older people. Only use clean water during the fights.
Pick a quieter place to stay
- Stay in calm areas: If you want a break from the crowds, look at areas like Ari or Banglamphu. These are quieter but still close to the action.
- Choose comfy hotels: Look for places with air conditioning or a pool. Hotels like Mercure Bangkok Surawong offer a good balance between comfort and location.
Stay safe
- Don’t drink too much: too much alcohol can lead to accidents, especially in crowded areas. In Bangkok, alcohol is a killer and is responsible for a lot of the accidents that happen during the holiday.
- Drink water: Bangkok is very hot in April. Keep a water bottle with you and drink often.
- Keep valuables safe: Use a secure bag or money belt. Crowded areas can attract pickpockets.
- Be careful in water fights: some people get too rough. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid pushing crowds.
Extra tips
- Use public transport: Traffic is heavy during Songkran. The BTS Skytrain and MRT are faster ways to get around.
- Experience traditions: Songkran isn’t just water fights. It’s a cultural celebration too. Visit a temple or watch a local ceremony to learn more about Thai culture.
SafetyWing insurance for travellers
SafetyWing is a travel insurance provider made for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travellers. Their Nomad Insurance is a popular choice for people visiting Bangkok during Songkran, offering good coverage for medical emergencies, trip issues, and more. Here’s a simple look at their offer and how to sign up.
Essential plan
The Essential Plan is budget-friendly and covers the basics you need while travelling.
What’s included:
- Medical care: hospital stays, ambulance services, emergency dental (up to US$1,000).
- Medical evacuation: Up to US$100,000 if you need to be moved to another country for treatment.
- Trip protection: Covers delays, interruptions, and lost luggage.
- Leisure sports: Covered up to US$250,000.
- Motor accidents: Covered up to US$250,000.
- Add-ons: Extra coverage for adventure sports or electronic theft.
Cost: Starts at US$56.28 every 28 days for ages 10–39.
Limitations: No coverage for routine checkups, vision, or maternity care. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
Complete plan
The Complete Plan offers more coverage, making it better for long-term travellers.
What’s included:
- All Essential Plan coverage has higher limits (up to US$1.5 million for medical care).
- Routine doctor visits and prescriptions.
- Maternity care: Up to US$2,500 after 10 months.
- Mental health services.
- Extra travel coverage: Includes trip cancellation and higher compensation for delays and stolen items.
Cost: Starts at US$150.50 per month for ages 18–39. Requires a 12-month commitment.
Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
You can calculate your costs below!
How to sign up for SafetyWing
- Go to the SafetyWing website and click on “Nomad Insurance”.
- Pick a plan: Choose between Essential or Complete based on your travel needs.
- Enter your details: name, birth date, citizenship, and email.
- Set your coverage: Choose your start date and how long you want coverage. Add extras if needed (like U.S. coverage or adventure sports).
- Add family or friends if you’re travelling together.
- Make payment: Use a credit or debit card.
- Check your email: You’ll get a confirmation and access to your SafetyWing dashboard.
The Essential Plan renews every 28 days unless you cancel. You can stop the plan anytime if your plans change.
Songkran in Bangkok is one of the most exciting times to visit, with fun water fights, temple visits, music, and cultural events happening across the city. Visitors can enjoy everything from street parties to peaceful ceremonies, with something for every type of traveller. But the festival also brings big crowds, hot weather, limited services, and safety risks, so it’s important to plan. Wearing the right clothes, staying hydrated, and using travel insurance like SafetyWing can help you enjoy the experience with less stress. For more on why having the right coverage matters, read this guide on the cost of not having the right insurance.
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