TrekUnity
When
April
Attendance
hundreds of thousands
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
Songkran is the Thai New Year, celebrated across Thailand each April — and in the northern city of Chiang Mai it becomes the country's most exuberant celebration, when the streets around the old walled city and its moat erupt into a days-long, city-wide water fight, alongside the tradition's gentler roots of temple visits, merit-making, and the respectful pouring of water over Buddha images and elders' hands.
It's joyful, soaking chaos wrapped in genuine cultural meaning, set in a city of ancient temples, mountain scenery, and northern-Thai cuisine.
Want to go? Turn Songkran Water Festival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
April 13–15 (often extended in Chiang Mai)
Admission
Free
Parking
The old city is compact — walk, or use songthaews (shared trucks) and tuk-tuks; expect wet everything.
Nearest airport
Chiang Mai International (CNX) — ~15 min
Typical weather
Hot, dry season — 90s–100s °F; the water fight is a very welcome way to cool off.
Official website
Location
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Where to stay
137 Pillars House
Colonial-style luxury near the Ping River.
Rachamankha
Serene boutique hotel inside the old city.
Old City guesthouses
Walkable stays near the moat and temples.
Where to eat & drink
Khao soi
The iconic northern-Thai curry noodle soup.
Chiang Mai Gate Market
A lively evening street-food market.
Northern Thai (Lanna) cuisine
Sai ua sausage, nam prik, and sticky rice.
Nearby attractions
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The golden mountaintop temple over the city.
Old City temples & moat
The historic walled center, epicenter of Songkran.
Elephant sanctuaries
Ethical sanctuaries in the surrounding hills.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + old city
- •Fly into CNX
- •Afternoon: old-city temples
- •Evening: khao soi + night market
2Songkran day
- •Morning: temple merit-making
- •Afternoon: the moat-side water fight
- •Evening: dry off + street food
3Doi Suthep + depart
- •Morning: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- •Head to CNX
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Waterproof your phone and wallet — you WILL get soaked.
- Join the moat-side action in the old city for the biggest fun.
- Balance the water fight with a temple visit for the real meaning.
Frequently asked questions
When is Songkran?
April 13–15 (Thai New Year), often extended in Chiang Mai.
Is it just a water fight?
No — the water has meaning (cleansing and blessing), alongside genuine traditions of temple visits and honoring elders, though the public celebration is a joyful city-wide soaking.
How should you prepare?
Assume you'll get completely wet — waterproof your phone, wear quick-dry clothes, and be respectful at temples.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Songkran Water Festival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.