Thai Water Festival and secrets about water festivals in Southeast Asian countries you don't know

The Thai water festival (Songkran) and other unique water festivals in other Southeast Asian countries such as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, are an integral part of the culture of this region. However, this festival in each country will have its own meaning, bringing a great experience for those who love to explore rich cultures and want to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of fun "water wars". Find out about these festivals now!

Việt Nam•17/03/2025

1. The Water Festival in Thailand - A unique event worth experiencing.

Songkran is the Thai New Year celebration and a long-standing traditional custom. (Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand)

One of the most vibrant and unique festivals in Southeast Asia, celebrated in April, is the Thai water festival. Considered the Thai New Year, Songkran is not only a time for people to ward off bad luck but also a way to pray for a lucky new year. If you've ever dreamed of a day immersed in cool, refreshing water amidst laughter and joyful celebrations, then this festival is definitely an experience not to be missed.

The Songkran Festival ( Thai Water Festival ) takes place from April 13th to 15th every year, but it's not just about water; it's a series of unique cultural rituals and activities. People splash water on each other, bathe Buddha statues, release rice, and participate in folk games. This is part of the long-standing and deeply religious water festivals of Southeast Asian countries, combined with the joyful spirit of outdoor activities.

2. Some interesting facts about the Thai Water Festival (Songkran)

A man plays the trumpet while people are splashed with water by elephants during the Songkran water festival in Ayutthaya province, Thailand, north of Bangkok. (Photo: REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

2.1. The Origin and Significance of the Water Festival in Thailand

Songkran is the Thai New Year festival , according to the lunar calendar. The name "Songkran" comes from the Sanskrit word "sankranti," meaning "change." It is an occasion for Thais to bathe, cleanse themselves of old things, and prepare to welcome the new year clean and lucky.

2.2. The Thai tradition of splashing water

Thai people would pour water on each other as a way to pray for blessings and ward off bad luck. Water not only symbolizes purification but also serves as a means of showing respect to elders. However, nowadays, the water festival has become a very fun street game where people pour water on each other and participate in spectacular water battles.

2.3. Must-See Activities at the Thai Water Festival

People react during a water fight at the Songkran festival in Bangkok. (Photo: REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

Bathing the Buddha : One of the important rituals in the festival is the bathing of the Buddha statue to pray for a peaceful new year for their families and communities.
Parades : Songkran festivals in major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket often feature traditional parades with many unique cultural activities, music, dances, and costume displays.
Street decorations : City centers, especially the old quarters in Chiang Mai or Bangkok, will be heavily decorated with Buddha statues, flowers, and symbols of blessings.
The ultimate water battle : In major cities like Bangkok , Chiang Mai , or Pattaya , the streets will be filled with fun water battles. People will equip themselves with water guns and sprayers to fight, accompanied by lively music and a festive atmosphere, blending into the bustling crowds.
Typical dishes during the festival : Besides Thai curry, which you will enjoy, during Songkran, Thai people also like to eat unique dishes such as Som Tam (papaya salad), Khao Niaow Tu-rean (durian sticky rice), Khao Niaow Mamuang (mango sticky rice), or light and refreshing snacks suitable for the hot summer weather.

3. Water Festivals in Other Southeast Asian Countries: A Blend of Culture and Tradition

Although the Thai water festival is the most prominent, it's not just Thailand ; other Southeast Asian countries also have their own unique water festivals. Here are some Southeast Asian water festivals you shouldn't miss when visiting:

3.1. The Water Festival in Myanmar – Thingyan Festival

Thingyan is not only a traditional festival but also a symbol of unity and love among people. (Photo: Collected)

Myanmar 's Thingyan festival is held annually from around April 13-16, coinciding with Thailand's Songkran festival. It's a time for people to cleanse themselves of bad luck and welcome a new year filled with good fortune. Similar to Thailand's water festival, water fights take place everywhere, but Thingyan is also notable for its Buddhist rituals and prayers.

3.2. The Water Festival in Laos – Bunpimay

The water-splashing activity will begin at 8:00 AM and end around 4:00 PM, before sunset. (Photo: Count Pyruslav)

Bunpimay, the Lao New Year festival , takes place from April 13th to 15th and bears a strong resemblance to the Thai water festival. The festival also includes water-splashing competitions, bathing of Buddha statues, and activities honoring family. Vientiane and Luang Prabang are two prominent cities that celebrate Bunpimay with a lively and joyful atmosphere.

3.3. The Water Festival in Cambodia – Bom Chaul Chnam

Bom Chaul Chnam is a long-standing festival where people splash water on each other to celebrate a bountiful rice harvest. (Photo: zybuluo)

The Bom Chaul Chnam Festival (or Cambodian Water Festival) is a large and unique Cambodian festival , celebrated from April 13-15, coinciding with the traditional Cambodian New Year, Chol Chnam Thmay. Unlike other water festivals in Southeast Asia, this festival is not only about splashing water but also about celebrating the reversal of the Tonle Sap River's flow. This event holds great significance for the local people, as the reversed river flow not only fertilizes the surrounding land but also symbolizes a bountiful rice harvest.

Typical activities during the Bom Chaul Chnam festival include boat races on the Mekong River, religious rituals, eating local specialties such as Ak Ambok (a dish made from rice, bananas, and coconut), and especially fireworks displays every evening. Phnom Penh is the main center of this festival, attracting millions of visitors.

4. Why are the Water Festivals of Southeast Asian countries so popular?

Tourists experience water splashing at Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: Collected)

The water festivals of Southeast Asian countries are not simply about water fights, but also about celebrations rich in cultural, spiritual, and community spirit. Whether it's the Thai water festival or those in Myanmar, Laos, or Cambodia, they all share the common desire to cleanse away the bad things of the old year and welcome the new year with abundant health and prosperity.

The water festival is not just a custom, but also a part of the culture and tradition in Southeast Asian countries. Every festival, even the water festival, is a part of it. Thailand, as well as festivals in other countries like Myanmar , Laos , and Cambodia , each have their own unique characteristics, creating a colorful and joyful festive atmosphere. If you love unique festivals, remember to plan a trip to Southeast Asian water festivals next summer to enjoy unforgettable experiences!