💦 April 11–19

Songkran in Pattaya

Thailand's New Year water festival — and Pattaya throws the biggest, longest, wettest party in the country.

What is Songkran?

Songkran is the Thai New Year, celebrated nationwide from April 13–15. But Pattaya extends the party to a full week (April 11–19), making it Thailand's longest and most intense Songkran celebration. What started as a gentle water-blessing ceremony has evolved into the world's biggest water fight — attracting millions of visitors. The city shuts down Beach Road and Second Road for epic water battles, music stages, and street parties.

Songkran Timeline

April 11

Pre-Songkran parties begin, hotels and bars start setting up

April 12

Wan Sangkhan Lom — merit-making, temple visits, and gentle water sprinkling

April 13

Wan Songkran — Thai New Year's Day. Water fights begin in earnest at noon

April 14–15

Wan Nao & Wan Payawan — family day and elder blessing day. Water fights continue

April 16–19

Pattaya extends Songkran! 'Wan Lai' on April 19 is the official Pattaya celebration

April 19

Wan Lai — Pattaya's biggest day. Parade, concerts, and the most intense water fights

Best Locations

Beach Road

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

The main battleground. Pickup trucks with water tanks cruise slowly while crowds on both sides blast water. Total chaos — in the best way.

Second Road

🔥🔥🔥🔥

Almost as intense as Beach Road. More space to maneuver, with bars and restaurants joining the action.

Walking Street

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Opens early for Songkran. Foam parties, DJs, and stages set up. Gets absolutely packed.

Soi Buakhao

🔥🔥🔥🔥

Expat-heavy water fight zone. Night market area transforms into a splash zone.

Jomtien Beach

🔥🔥🔥

More family-friendly than central Pattaya. Still plenty of water fun, just less intense.

Naklua

🔥🔥

Traditional celebrations at Naklua temples. Sand pagoda building, merit-making, and gentler water play.

What to Bring

✓ Waterproof phone pouch (essential!)

✓ Quick-dry clothes — avoid white

✓ Water gun (buy locally, ฿50–300)

✓ Goggles or sunglasses with strap

✓ Waterproof bag for valuables

✓ Sunscreen (you WILL get sunburned)

✓ Cash in a ziplock bag

✓ Sandals or water shoes

✓ Towel (leave at your hotel, not worth carrying)

Safety Tips

Protect your phone — waterproof pouches cost ฿50–100 at any 7-Eleven

Don't throw ice water — it's painful and considered rude

Respect monks and elderly people — they're exempt from water fights

Road accidents spike during Songkran — avoid riding motorbikes if possible

Drink plenty of water — dehydration is common despite all the water

Don't throw water at people carrying electronics or clearly trying to avoid it

Police presence is heavy — no drunk driving, no nudity, no throwing water at vehicles

Start early (noon) and finish by 6 PM — that's the official window