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13th - 15th April 2027

Songkran (Thailand) — Travel Guide

The world's biggest water fight is just a 4-hour flight from India.

Every April, Thailand turns its New Year into the world's biggest water fight. For three days from 13 to 15 April, entire cities down tools and pick up water guns. Strangers drench each other on Bangkok's Silom Road, pickup trucks roll through Chiang Mai loaded with ice-water buckets, and nobody stays dry for more than a minute. The festival is called Songkran, from the same Sanskrit root as India's Sankranti, and the water stands for washing away the old year's bad luck. UNESCO added it to its cultural heritage list in 2023, and the 2026 edition has already come and gone. That makes April 2027 your next chance, and it is worth planning early because the whole world shows up. Bangkok is a 4 to 4.5 hour flight from Delhi or Mumbai, the festival itself is free, and April fares are kinder than December's. Few trips pack this much joy per rupee.

Bangkok in next 3 month

Weather in Bangkok

jan

17/33°C

AQI 68

feb

19/34°C

AQI 61

mar

21/35°C

AQI 61

apr

26/38°C

AQI 61

may

26/39°C

AQI 61

jun

25/36°C

AQI 61

jul

25/34°C

AQI 61

aug

25/37°C

AQI 61

sep

24/33°C

AQI 61

oct

24/33°C

AQI 61

nov

19/33°C

AQI 53

dec

24/32°C

AQI 53

August in Bangkok experiences monsoon showers with slightly cooler temperatures and improved air quality.

Usual trip duration

3-4 days

A 3-4 day trip to Bangkok allows you to explore the city's iconic temples, indulge in delicious street food, shop at vibrant markets, and experience the bustling nightlife. You can also take a day trip to the nearby floating markets or ancient ruins.

Affordable with options for luxury

Bangkok offers a wide range of pricing for tourists, with affordable options for accommodations, dining, and transportation, as well as more luxurious choices in upscale hotels and fine dining. Prices can vary based on the area of the city and the level of luxury desired.

Prices can vary based on the season and preferences.

Interesting facts

The word Songkran comes from the Sanskrit "sankranti", the same root as India's Makar Sankranti. Both festivals mark the sun's transit into a new zodiac sign.

UNESCO inscribed Songkran on its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2023, recognising the Thai New Year's rituals and water tradition.

The official festival runs 13 to 15 April nationwide, but celebrations stretch nearly a week in places — Chiang Mai often starts around 12 April and Pattaya's "Wan Lai" continues to about 19 April.

In Chiang Mai, the moat surrounding the old walled city becomes the festival's main arena, with crowds lining both banks scooping water straight from it.

The gentlest Songkran ritual is "rod nam dam hua", where younger people pour scented water over elders' palms and receive blessings in return — a custom that predates the street parties by centuries.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do buy a waterproof phone pouch before you leave India (they cost ₹150–300 online) and keep your passport sealed in a zip-lock bag at the hotel.

Do join the morning temple rituals at least once. Pouring water over a Buddha image and watching the rod nam dam hua elder blessing is the soul of the festival.

Do wear quick-dry clothes and floaters or sandals with grip. Streets stay wet for three days straight.

Do say "Sawasdee Pee Mai" (Happy New Year) when someone splashes you. It turns strangers into friends instantly.

Do book hotels 2 to 3 months ahead. Songkran week is one of Thailand's busiest, and Chiang Mai's old city sells out first.

Do keep small waterproof cash for street food, since most vendors stay open right through the water fights.

Don't throw water at monks, babies, the elderly or police. Monks in saffron robes must never be splashed — fold your hands and step aside, the way you would show respect at a temple back home.

Don't use dirty water or ice-only buckets, and never aim high-pressure guns at faces. Play hard but play kind.

Don't ride a two-wheeler during water fights. April is Thailand's worst week for road accidents, and wet roads plus flying water are a bad mix.

Don't carry your DSLR or wear anything you love. Assume everything on your body will be soaked within minutes.

Don't touch anyone disrespectfully or smear powder on strangers' faces without consent. What feels like Holi-style fun can cross a line here.

Don't plan tight schedules on 13–15 April. Traffic crawls, taxis are scarce and half the city is one big party.

Budget Breakdown

Travellers

Days

Flights

₹16,000

Stay

₹6,000

Local Transport

₹1,500

Dining

₹3,500

activities (water gear, temples, day trips)

₹3,000

Visa

₹3,000

Total Estimated

₹33,000

Visa Details

Visa Starting From

₹3,000

Get Visa In

About 14 days

Documents Required:

Passport

Photographs

Return flight tickets

Hotel bookings

Bank statements

TDAC arrival card

Things to do

All

historical

market

cultural

park

museum

shopping

nightlife

temple

wellness

entertainment

art

culinary

4.5

Grand Palace

HISTORICAL

Magnificent royal complex

4.4

Chatuchak Weekend Market

MARKET

Largest weekend market in the world

4.3

Floating Market

CULTURAL

Traditional Thai market on water

4.5

Lumphini Park

PARK

Green oasis in the city

4.4

Jim Thompson House

MUSEUM

Traditional Thai architecture and art

4.3

MBK Center

SHOPPING

Popular shopping mall

3.9

Sirocco Sky Bar

NIGHTLIFE

Stunning rooftop bar with city views

4.6

Chinatown

CULTURAL

Vibrant and bustling district

4.6

Wat Pho

TEMPLE

Home of the Reclining Buddha

4.1

Vimanmek Mansion

HISTORICAL

World's largest golden teakwood mansion

4.5

Siam Paragon

SHOPPING

Luxury shopping and entertainment complex

4.7

Emerald Buddha Temple

TEMPLE

Sacred Buddhist temple

4.6

Bangkok National Museum

MUSEUM

Art and historical exhibits

4.6

Thai Massage

WELLNESS

Relaxing and rejuvenating experience

4.3

Asiatique The Riverfront

ENTERTAINMENT

Riverside shopping and dining

4.5

Bangkok Art and Culture Center

ART

Contemporary art and design

4.2

Thip Samai Pad Thai

CULINARY

Famous pad thai restaurant

4.5

Benjasiri Park

PARK

Sculpture garden and lake

Best flights to book

From

Departure

Mon, 31 Aug

Return

Travellers & Class

1 Traveller, Economy

Mon, 12 Apr

₹14,182

Tue, 13 Apr

₹16,397

Wed, 14 Apr

₹16,681

Thu, 15 Apr

₹16,402

Fri, 16 Apr

₹16,368

Sat, 17 Apr

₹20,707

Sun, 18 Apr

₹15,019

Mon, 19 Apr

₹14,163

Tue, 20 Apr

₹14,185

Wed, 21 Apr

₹14,223

Thu, 22 Apr

₹14,182

Fri, 23 Apr

₹14,223

Sat, 24 Apr

₹14,185

Sun, 25 Apr

₹14,254

Mon, 26 Apr

₹14,182

Tue, 27 Apr

₹14,182

Wed, 28 Apr

₹19,954

Thu, 29 Apr

₹30,745

Fri, 30 Apr

₹19,874

Sat, 01 May

₹14,223

Sun, 02 May

₹14,172

Mon, 03 May

₹15,297

Tue, 04 May

₹16,397

Wed, 05 May

₹14,210

Thu, 06 May

₹14,223

Fri, 07 May

₹14,163

Sat, 08 May

₹14,208

Sun, 09 May

Mon, 10 May

₹14,223

Tue, 11 May

₹14,182

Wed, 12 May

₹14,223

Air India

AI2332

11:00

DEL

3h 5m

Non Stop

15:35

BKK

₹16,354

₹14,454

Air India

AI2355

08:25

DEL

Non Stop

12:55

BKK

₹16,354

₹14,454

Air India

AI2304

14:30

DEL

3h 5m

Non Stop

19:05

BKK

₹16,354

₹14,454

Air India

AI2336

01:40

DEL

3h 10m

Non Stop

06:20

BKK

₹17,929

₹16,029

Thai Airways

TG316

23:30

DEL

3h 5m

Non Stop

04:05

BKK

₹18,661

₹16,761

Thai Airways

TG332

03:20

DEL

3h 5m

Non Stop

07:55

BKK

₹18,661

₹16,761

Thai Airways

TG324

11:40

DEL

3h 5m

Non Stop

16:15

BKK

₹18,661

₹16,761

IndiGo

6E1063

06:50

DEL

3h 10m

Non Stop

11:30

BKK

₹20,717

₹18,817

IndiGo

6E1053

15:45

DEL

3h 10m

Non Stop

20:25

BKK

₹20,717

₹18,817

Vietnam Airlines

VN980, VN617

23:35

DEL

18h

1 Stop

19:05

BKK

₹14,182

₹12,282

4.5

Kin Lom Chom Saphan

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Songkran 2027 in Thailand?

Songkran 2027 runs from Tuesday 13 April to Thursday 15 April, the same fixed dates every year. Chiang Mai typically starts a day early and Pattaya's Wan Lai celebrations continue until around 19 April. Book travel for 11–17 April to catch the heart of it.

Is Songkran worth visiting from India?

Yes, it is one of the world's great festivals and sits a 4 to 4.5 hour flight from Delhi or Mumbai. The festival itself is free, hotels cost less than peak-December Thailand, and the energy is something between Holi and a New Year street party. UNESCO listed it as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023.

Which is better for Songkran, Bangkok or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is the classic choice, with the old city moat becoming one giant water-fight arena for nearly a week. Bangkok offers bigger-city energy with massive parties on Silom and Khao San Road. Many travellers do both, since flights between the two cities take about 70 minutes.

Do Indians need a visa for Thailand in April 2027?

Yes, as of mid-2026 Indians need either an e-visa (₹3,000, up to 60 days) or a Visa on Arrival (about ₹5,200, 15 days). Thailand withdrew its 60-day visa-free entry for Indians in May 2026. Everyone must also fill the free TDAC digital arrival card online within 72 hours before flying.

How much does a Songkran trip cost from India?

A 5-day trip ex-Delhi typically costs about ₹33,000 on a budget, around ₹66,000 mid-range and ₹1.5 lakh in luxury, per person including flights and visa. The festival is free to join, which keeps activity costs low. Flights and hotels rise in Songkran week, so book 2 to 3 months ahead.

Is Songkran like Holi?

Close enough that Indians feel at home, with water replacing colour. Both are spring festivals where strangers play together on the streets, and Songkran even shares its Sanskrit root with Sankranti. The difference is scale and duration — three or more full days of citywide water fights.

Is Songkran safe for families and women travellers?

Broadly yes, the spirit is playful and Thais are quick to shut down bad behaviour. Stick to main celebration zones in daylight, avoid heavily drunken pockets late at night, and keep children away from high-pressure water guns. Road accidents are the real risk, so avoid two-wheelers during festival days.

What should I pack for Songkran from India?

A waterproof phone pouch, quick-dry clothes, sandals with grip, sunscreen and a zip-lock for cash. Water guns are cheaper in Thailand — every 7-Eleven and street stall sells them during festival week. Leave expensive watches and your good camera at the hotel.

Can I do Songkran on a 15-day Visa on Arrival?

Yes, comfortably — most Songkran trips run 3 to 7 days. The VoA costs about ₹5,200 and allows up to 15 days with no extension. If you want a longer Thailand holiday around the festival, take the ₹3,000 e-visa instead, which allows up to 60 days.

Does normal life shut down during Songkran?

Partly — it is Thailand's biggest public holiday and many offices and small shops close 13–15 April. Malls, restaurants, 7-Elevens and tourist attractions largely stay open, and transport runs with festival-level crowds. Plan museum-type sightseeing for the days just before or after.

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