If you are planning a vacation to Thailand, April is the perfect time to visit. During this month, Thailand celebrates the Songkran Festival, an annual and vibrant celebration throughout the country.
The festival runs from April 1 to April 21. According to the Director General of Cultural Promotion, Kowit Phakamas, the government plans to organize the "World Songkran Festival" in 77 provinces of Thailand during this period.
The event aims to promote Songkran as an enticing cultural destination for global tourists, in line with the government's policy strategy to enhance the country's attractiveness. In addition, the event aims to promote a correct understanding of Thai Songkran traditions and practices, both nationally and within local communities.
Holding this festival also follows the official recognition of the Songkran Festival by UNESCO as being of Intangible Cultural Heritage. UNESCO has officially recognized the Songkran Festival as intangible cultural heritage and the recognition certificate was presented to the Ministry of Culture in Thailand after the announcement during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Botswana on December 6 last year.
Songkran is a lively celebration of the Thai New Year, usually observed from April 13 to 15 each year. Key activities include almsgiving to monks and the ceremonial pouring of water on the palms of respected elders. Tourists can enjoy cultural performances and the famous water-spraying festival.
Activities to enjoy during Songkran
Songkran is a street festival filled with loud music and water fights. The festival brings together locals and visitors to have fun by splashing water, honoring elders and welcoming the new year with enthusiasm.
Interestingly, water plays a central role in cleansing the previous year to welcome the new one. In addition, there are many other Songkran traditions that involve water. In April, Thailand is quite hot, so this event is very refreshing!
In Thailand and around the world, another popular way to celebrate Songkran is through music festivals. Famous streets are transformed into bustling party venues, accompanied by loud music, water splashes and foam. These music festivals last late into the night, so make sure you arrive well rested to enjoy the party all night long.
If you're looking for an extraordinary experience, you can enjoy Songkran in a unique and nature-inspired way with elephants. During Songkran, many elephant sanctuaries and parks open their doors to visitors to celebrate with these majestic creatures.
The elephants enjoy spraying water on visitors with their trunks, adding to the fun of the Songkran celebration. You can also feed and bathe the elephants. In the cities, these elephants are also decorated with bright colors and paraded along the main streets to join in the festivities.
