Songkran in Thailand — dates, closures & crowds

The world's biggest water fight. When it falls in 2026, 2027, 2028, what actually closes, and how to plan around it — plus a live checker for your exact dates. Verified 2026-09.

Quick answer: Songkran in Thailand runs Mon 12 Apr 2027 – Fri 16 Apr 2027. Everything you carry outdoors WILL get soaked for 3 days — phones included. Waterproof phone pouch — non-negotiable; keep passports in the hotel safe.

Destination

From

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Thailand · Mon 12 Apr 2027 → Fri 16 Apr 2027

💦 Songkran in Thailand · Mon 12 Apr 2027 – Fri 16 Apr 2027

Everything you carry outdoors WILL get soaked for 3 days — phones included

Full Songkran in Thailand guide →

Public holidays in this window

Full public-holiday calendar isn't available for Thailand yet — major events above are still checked. Confirm official holidays locally.

Holidays: nationwide public holidays only (regional ones excluded), verified 2026-09. Lunar-calendar events are approximate. Confirm anything date-critical locally.

What it is

Thai New Year, 13–15 April every year — celebrated as a nationwide water festival, with the biggest street battles in Bangkok (Silom, Khao San), Chiang Mai and the islands.

Dates

Year	Impact window
2026	Sun 12 Apr 2026 – Thu 16 Apr 2026
2027	Mon 12 Apr 2027 – Fri 16 Apr 2027
2028	Wed 12 Apr 2028 – Sun 16 Apr 2028

What to expect

Everything you carry outdoors WILL get soaked for 3 days — phones included
Intercity buses, trains and flights are packed as Thais travel home
Many small businesses and government offices close; malls and tourist services run
Hotel prices rise in Chiang Mai and Bangkok party zones; beach resorts fill

How to plan around it

Waterproof phone pouch — non-negotiable; keep passports in the hotel safe
Book intercity transport a week or more ahead, or stay put for the festival days
Loving it is easy; avoiding it is not — if you don't want to be wet, avoid city centres 13–15 April

Questions

Is Songkran fun or a nuisance for tourists?

Both, by choice. If you join in, it's one of the world's great street festivals. If you have onward travel, connections or plans that involve staying dry in a city centre on 13–15 April, you will lose — schedule around it or embrace it.

Does Thailand shut down during Songkran?

Government offices, banks and many family businesses close for the official holidays, and intercity transport is at its yearly peak. Malls, hotels, restaurants and tourist services largely stay open — wetter than usual.

Plan the trip

Power adapter for Thailand →

Other dates to know about

🎏 Golden Week in Japan 🧧 Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)🌸 Tết in Vietnam 🌙 Travelling During Ramadan ⛪ Easter Week in Europe 🦃 Thanksgiving Week in the USA

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⚠️ Nationwide public holidays only; regional holidays and one-off closures aren't listed. Lunar-calendar dates (Ramadan, Tết, Diwali) are approximate. Verified 2026-09 — confirm anything date-critical with official local sources.