12 reasons to experience Songkran at least once in your life.

Every year, Thailand has countless exciting festivals, but the most prominent in April is the traditional Songkran water festival, where people freely splash water on each other and enjoy endless fun. More precisely, Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, celebrated on the first day of the Buddhist calendar to welcome the new year.

Here are 12 reasons why you should experience Songkran at least once in your life! It will surely be one of the most vivid experiences of your life.

1. You've become a child again.

Whether you're 8 or 80 years old, it doesn't matter. Everyone enthusiastically joins in the fun regardless of age, and that's what makes Songkran so appealing.

You'll see elderly street vendors pouring buckets of ice water on passersby, middle-aged men armed with huge, colorful water guns, young people dancing on pickup trucks while tossing buckets of water into the air, and large families with three generations engaging in carefree and joyful water fights with everyone around them. It's not an exaggeration to say that everyone feels like they've returned to their childhood and are living like a child again!

It's incredibly exciting to see the whole nation come together to let loose and have fun, regardless of age. This creates a truly unique festive atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else.

2. Cooling down in the intense April heat.

"Sabai, sabai" is a phrase Thais often use to express happiness. And this is the phrase tourists most frequently hear Thais say while playing water games together in the scorching April heat.

Temperatures in April here typically range from 35-39 degrees Celsius. For comparison, Singapore's record high temperature was 36 degrees Celsius, recorded in 1998.

But if you're attending Songkran, you don't need to worry about the heat! There are countless vendors selling ice cubes along the streets during Songkran, and festival-goers can take advantage of this to beat the heat.

3. Dance parties everywhere.

A festival wouldn't be complete without music and dancing! Especially a water-filled and incredibly fun festival like Songkran!

Every five minutes you walk down the street, you'll encounter a dance party in every form imaginable, from large concerts where famous Thai bands perform on colorful stages, to impromptu dance areas around EDM music speakers, to locals immersing themselves in traditional Thai music during New Year's celebrations.

Visitors can easily spot a clown with a water gun dancing a sensual salsa alongside an elderly woman performing a traditional Thai dance during the festival. It's truly fascinating!

4. A joyful and loving crowd

Thais truly know how to relax and enjoy life; it's like it runs in their veins. They are always cheerful and happy.

No one is a stranger during Songkran, and everyone's main goal is simply to have fun. Whether you're a local or a tourist, everyone plays together without any prejudice. By the end of the day, you'll feel like your list of friends has multiplied.

5. Free makeup

Painting one's face and neck is one of the oldest traditions of Songkran. The powder applied to the body is seen as a sign of protection and to ward off evil spirits. And don't worry, this powder is harmless and will quickly wash away during the water fights!

During festivals, sometimes strangers will suddenly run up and smear this white powder all over your face, so be prepared!

6. This festival is the perfect place to burn calories!

These giant water guns are very heavy, and you'll need plenty of arm strength for this long battle. You'll also burn tons of calories chasing after kids and even adults on the street who splash water at you, dancing to loud EDM at music parties, and screaming excitedly every time someone splashes water on you.

7. You will never be hungry.

Food is everywhere! After tiring moments of chasing and splashing water on the streets, your body will quickly become hungry. But don't worry, there are tons of street food options to satisfy your hunger.

The food at the festival is incredibly diverse, from delicious crepes to Thai mango sticky rice and all sorts of other amazing Thai foods you can think of. You'll definitely be consuming more calories than you burn!

8. New Year's procession

The New Year procession in the ancient city of Chiang Mai is one of the most joyful, colorful, and culturally rich festivals many people have ever witnessed.

With large, brightly colored floats carrying Buddha statues, students from ethnic universities dressed in colorful costumes and carrying flamboyant banners, local beauty queens, and burly men striving to look their most dignified in the procession, they will also become the most playful and mischievous when they participate in water fights in the streets afterward.

9. Gaining a deeper understanding of Thai culture and Buddhism.

Experiencing Songkran is a fascinating way to gain a deeper understanding of Thai culture and Buddhism.

The act of pouring water symbolizes washing away misfortunes to usher in a new beginning. As the Buddha statue is carried down the street, locals rush to wash the statues with fragrant water from their silver bowls, and the monks sprinkle holy water on them.

Songkran is more than just a fun festival. It's an important occasion for Thais to come together and show respect to their elders, celebrate their culture, and spend quality time with family and friends in joyful anticipation of the new year.

10. Your water gun will never run empty.

The water gun battles seem to go on endlessly, with colorful guns always brimming with "water." Surrounding the ancient city of Chiang Mai is a moat that provides everyone with the water they need to participate in the battle. You'll feel more at ease knowing that the government has cleaned it of all harmful insects.

Even when you leave Chiangmai, there are always kind and friendly locals who will invite you to their large water tanks and garden hoses to fill your empty water gun.

11. The strangest, most unbelievable event.

During Songkran, you can earn free money by completing small challenges. You might even encounter naked or semi-naked men performing on a large stage, exciting the crowds. Yes, it's crazy!

12. A festival of joy

Those who have participated in Songkran all say they have never had so much fun in their lives. And most affirm that they will definitely return and experience this joyful festival again.

Songkran is truly special because you can both get soaked with joy and celebrate culture and love at the same time.

Nga Nguyen