The whole moat is a water-fight zone, busiest at Tha Phae Gate
Related guide: Songkran 2027
Chiang Mai's old city sits inside a square moat, and the Songkran water fights follow its banks. The busiest spot is the square in front of Tha Phae Gate on the east side, where the municipality set up a water tunnel in 2026. The national holiday lasts three days, in Thailand's hottest month.
The older form of Songkran takes place in temples and homes, and it is gentle. People pour water over Buddha images, then tip a little scented water over the hands of their elders, a rite called rot nam dam hua, to rinse off the old year's bad luck and ask for a blessing. UNESCO's listing names the three days: the first day is Maha Songkran, the second is Wan Nao, and the third, Wan Thaloeng Sok, opens the new year. Songkran joined the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.
The street water fights grew out of that blessing, so by tradition getting soaked counts as being blessed. The Tourism Authority of Thailand notes that a ceasefire usually starts at sundown so people can dry off and eat, and advises keeping phones, wallets and cameras sealed in plastic bags during the day.
For 2026, Chiang Mai Municipality scheduled its Pee Mai Muang new-year programme from 6 to 17 April, more than twice the length of the national holiday. The programme included a procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing, the image kept at Wat Phra Singh, carried through the city while people along the route sprinkled it with water.
The full guide to this festival
Songkran 2027: 13–15 April (Tue–Thu) in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Pattaya
Full guide: dates, getting there and what you can book →
Tickets and transport you can book
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Bangkok–Pattaya
Bangkok–Pattaya shared transfer
Shared hotel-to-hotel transfer between Bangkok and Pattaya. One suitcase (up to 20 kg) plus one handbag per person; bookings are confirmed within 24 hours.
See plansPattaya
Sanctuary of Truth ticket, Pattaya
The all-wood Sanctuary of Truth. Day entry 08:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00), with a separate evening session; allow 2–3 hours.
See pricesChiang Mai
Doi Suthep & Wat Pha Lat sunrise half-day
Hotel pick-up, about 5 hours, English-speaking guide: sunrise at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, then Wat Pha Lat and Wat Umong, with a chance to give alms with monks.
See pricesChiang Mai
Mama Noi Thai cooking class, Chiang Mai
A Thai cooking class at a farm outside Chiang Mai, about 5 hours, with hotel pick-up, Chinese or English instruction, and dishes you choose yourself.
See pricesThailand 5G eSIM (AIS)
Unlimited data on AIS. Your phone must support eSIM; activate it in the Klook app before you fly. Full refund if cancelled before it connects.
See plans
