Songkran Phuket 2025

Get ready for Thailand’s biggest water fight and cultural celebration - Songkran!

Songkran (สงกรานต์) marks the Thai New Year and is one of Thailand’s most significant cultural festivals. The name Songkran comes from the Sanskrit word Saṃkrānti, meaning "movement," and it signifies the sun’s transition into Aries in the zodiac.

At its core, Songkran is about renewal, purification, and gratitude. Traditionally, the festival symbolizes washing away the past year's misfortunes and starting fresh with blessings, good fortune, and family unity. The famous water fights stem from an ancient practice where people gently poured water on Buddha statues, elders, and family members as a sign of respect and to wash away bad luck. Over time, this evolved into the playful water battles seen today.

Join us for the Songkran Festival in Phuket from April 13 to 15 for water splashing and an unforgettable Thai experience!

What to Expect When Attending Songkran Phuket 2025

Here's what awaits you at Phuket Songkran:

• Joyful water fights: Streets, especially Patong Beach, Bangla Road, and Phuket Town, become water battle zones. Locals and tourists use water guns, buckets, and hoses to drench each other.
• Street parties and live entertainment: Bangla Road turns into an open-air nightclub with DJs, live music, and dancing. Beach clubs in Kata, Karon, and Rawai host foam parties, themed events, and BBQs. Expect fun performances, fire shows, and parades in some areas.
• Traditional ceremonies and cultural activities: Locals visit temples like Wat Chalong to pour water on Buddha statues for blessings. They also perform the Rod Nam Dam Hua ritual, gently pouring water on elders' hands for respect. Many Buddhist ceremonies and merit-making activities happen in Phuket Town.
• Street food and local delicacies: Food stalls offer traditional Thai favorites such as Pad Thai, Som Tam (papaya salad), and grilled seafood. Vendors also provide refreshing beverages and tropical fruits to help keep everyone cool. During the festival, you’ll also be able to taste special treats like mango sticky rice and Khao Chae (jasmine rice served in iced water).

You can enjoy the Songkran Water Festival for free! Just bring cash for yummy food, refreshments, and cool souvenirs.

Expect hot weather, with daytime temperatures around 30-35 C (86-95 F) and a chance of afternoon showers. Wear light, quick-drying clothes like shorts and breathable tops, and embrace the tradition with a colorful floral shirt. Choose waterproof sandals or flip-flops to handle wet streets, and consider wearing swimwear underneath for extra comfort.

Security Protocols

Songkran in Phuket is lively but well-monitored for safety. Police patrol key areas like Patong Beach and Phuket Town, with checkpoints to prevent drunk driving. Some roads may be close to traffic, and wet conditions make driving risky. Alcohol is allowed but regulated. Water fights follow the rules: no high-pressure or ice-cold water, and avoid splashing monks, the elderly, young children, or moving vehicles. Use waterproof cases, stay in well-lit areas, and follow local guidelines to enjoy a safe and fun celebration.

How to Get To or From the Event

Reaching the festival depends on where you want to celebrate Songkran. Here are your options:

• By Air: Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the main gateway, with flights from Bangkok, other Thai cities, and international destinations. From the airport, you can take the airport Bus (to Phuket Town), taxi, or Grab (to Patong, Kata, or Karon Beach).
• Bus: If you're coming from Bangkok, long-distance buses run to Phuket (~12-14 hours). The main bus station is Phuket Bus Terminal 2, where you can take local transport to Songkran hotspots.

Once in Phuket, you can reach Songkran celebrations in these ways:

• Tuk-Tuks: Popular for short distances, but be ready to negotiate fares.
• Songthaews (Blue Buses): Shared pickups running from Phuket Town to beaches like Patong, Kata, and Karon.

Songkran Phuket 2025 Bag Policy

There’s no strict official bag policy, but it's best to carry only essentials due to the massive water fights and crowded areas.

Waterproof or dry bags are the best choice to protect your belongings from getting soaked. Small crossbody bags or fanny packs are ideal for easy carrying, while ziplock bags or waterproof phone pouches help keep essentials like cash and phones dry. Avoid large backpacks, as they are bulky and can get drenched, and steer clear of cloth or leather bags, which can be ruined by water.

Songkran Phuket 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bags With Bounce and Embrace the Thai Culture

Store your luggage with Bounce and explore Songkran hands-free!

You can look for spots in Phuket on our website or via the Bounce mobile app. Choose the most convenient one and book for only THB 112.00 per day. Each booking includes $10,000 in bag protection, and you'll have 24/7 support during your visit. If you must cancel, you can do so before check-in, and we won't charge you anything.

How to Stow Your Bag at Songkran Phuket 2025 With Bounce

• Book: Choose a store, book, and pay online.
• Store your bags: Go to the booked store with your payment confirmation and drop off your stuff.
• Enjoy your visit to Thailand: Have an unforgettable experience at the festival!

How to Make the Most Out of Songkran Phuket 2025

• Arm yourself: Get a good water gun or bucket—bigger means more splash power!
• Dress for the fest: Wear quick-dry clothes, flip-flops, and funky floral shirts.
• Stay hydrated: The sun is hot, and you’ll be moving, so alternate between water fights and coconut drinks!
• Mix fun with tradition: Visit a temple for blessings before hitting the party streets.
• Catch a sunrise or sunset: Wake up early for a peaceful sunrise at Promthep Cape or enjoy a stunning sunset at Big Buddha.
• Island hop after the splash: Escape the madness with a boat trip to Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, or Coral Island.
• Try water sports: Go snorkeling in Ao Sane Beach, jet skiing in Patong, or surfing in Kata if the waves are good.
• Discover Old Phuket Town: Walk through colorful Sino-Portuguese streets, visit art galleries, and grab coffee at a trendy café.
• Store your bags with Bounce: Experience the traditional Thai New Year celebration worry-free with Bounce.

Songkran in Phuket is a thrilling mix of tradition, fun, and refreshing splashes, so dive in, cool off, and welcome the Thai New Year with joy!