For some, heading over to Bangkok for Songkran is an annual affair—the parties are wild, the drinks are free-flowing and the dancefloors are packed to the brim. But with the recent passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej last October, the military government has called for all Songkran celebrations to end at midnight this year. Also, Bangkok’s backpacker mecca Khao San will not be joining in the full-on water fighting this Songkran.
With the party strip in such close proximity to the Grand Palace, authorities are urging revellers in the area to toe a conservative line as a show of continued mourning, meaning no “entertainment activities”, use of powder and water guns or scanty attire. Only traditional water sprinkling and merit-making will be permitted, along with a Buddha image procession. The entire length of this backpacker haven usually turns into an all-day water-fight zone for the duration of the festival, packed with huge crowds of teenagers and international backpackers. The cancellation of Songkran festivities on Khao San Road leaves Silom Road and RCA as the main party zones for this year’s wet and wild celebrations.
CULTURAL EVENTS
Water Festival 2017 (Apr 13-16)
Price: Free
Location: Various temples and malls along the Chao Phraya River
Now in its third year, The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s four-day festival returns to save the cultural roots of Songkran, inviting people to spend a family day out at seven riverside destinations to make merit and hang out by the river.
Participating temples include Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaram (Wat Arun), Wat Kalayanamitra, Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho) and Wat Prayurawongsawas. Expect to find many traditional activities at each temple, ranging from merit-making for the new year to traditional dance performances. It’ll all be set up in a temple fair atmosphere, complete with food booths and carnival games.
On top of this, riverside community malls Tha Maharaj, Asiatique and Yodpiman River Walk are joining in on the fun with a series of concerts, fun games and plenty of shopping and dining stalls.
Easy transport access is also guaranteed in the form of free boat shuttles to the participating venues from seven piers, including Tha Tien, Yodpiman River Pier, Tha Maharaj, Wat Arun Pier, Asiatique Pier, Wat Kalaya Pier and Wat Prayoon Pier. Do note these only run from 9am-6pm.
NIGHTLIFE PARTIES
Aqua-Aquatic Songkran Festival (Apr 13-16)
Price: Tickets start at $10
Venue: Aquatic Land, Ror Por Chor Rd.
This four-day neon festival asks you to come get with music from Joey Boy & GancoreClub, Boom Boom Cash, The Mousses, Cocktail, Musteteeres, Mocca Garden and Thaitanium.
Dark & Dirty Presents Kolour Crew (Apr 13)
Price: $10 at the door (includes one drink)
Venue: Glow, Sukhumvit 23 Rd.
Mendy Indigo’s monthly event brings in two of Bangkok favorites and Kolour Crew members, Coran and Koish, to kick-off the new year and bring dark and sensual sounds to life.
Flowhouse Songkran Fest (Apr 13-15)
Price: Free
Venue: Flow House, Sukhumvit Soi 26
For an alternative way to get wet this Songkran, hop on the surf simulators at the popular waterpark, which will host free sessions from 11am-12pm, 1-2pm, and 3-4pm. On top of that, they’ve teamed up with several Thai craft beer brands, ranging from Changwon Express to Mahanakhon, to bring special beer promotions throughout the event.
Songkran Extra Light Smile 2017 (Apr 13-15)
Price: Tickets start at $12 (includes one drink)
Venue: DND Club, Ekkamai Rd.
Held at the club’s outdoor area, a team of DJs host a different sound for every day of Songkran: hip-hop, trap and twerk on day one; thumping EDM on day two; and the sound of the ‘90s on day three.
Songkran Bangkok Beach Party (Apr 13-15)
Price: Free entry
Venue: Craft, Sukhumvit Soi 23
The open-air craft beer specialist transforms into a beach-themed street party featuring live performances ranging from a sand sculpture show to fire dancers, all alongside Mexican food and quality craft beer.
Justin James Songkran After Party (Apr 14)
Price: $12, includes one drink
Venue: Insanity Nightclub
The international producer and DJ provides the beats for a Songkran after-party at the Sukhumvit club.
Songkran Music Festival (Apr 14-15)
Price: $8 at the door (includes one drink)
Venue: Mustache Bar, 244/5 Pracha Songkhro Rd.
Some of the city’s most popular EDM and techno DJs, including Coran, Nemo Cools, Alex Fischer, Fred Canal and Rory, take over the decks for this two-night party.
G-Circuit (Apr 14-16)
Price: $93-$421 available here
Venue: Various venues across the city
Bangkok’s biggest annual gay-focused Songkran party returns to take over the city with three dance parties and two pool parties. Expect plenty of EDM beats across all parties, courtesy of DJs including Spectrum K, Nina Flowers, Preeda Tony and more.
POOL PARTIES
Ambar Foam Pool Party ft Songkran Fest (Apr 15)
Price: $16 at the door (includes one drink)
Venue: Ambar, Sukhumvit Soi 15
International DJs Mizuyo (Japan), Patsan (Australia) and Natsha (Russa) join local DJ Sagar for an afternoon of pop music in this foamy pool party that guarantees loads of bubbles. There’s also an open bar between 12-1pm and special cocktail promotions.
Songkran So Pool Party: Mystic Sphere (Apr 14)
Price: $30 (includes one drink), available eventpop.me
Venue: The Water Club, SO Sofitel, 2 North Sathorn Rd.
So Sofitel hosts a special Songkran edition of their monthly infinity pool party series, packed with laser beams, cocktails, barbecue food and house music.
Blast! Pool Series #SongkranExperience (Apr 13-15)
Price: TBA
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit
A three-day pool party courtesy of the Blast Bangkok electronic music party team, promising quality techno and deep house tunes plus plenty of drink deals.
Songkran Splash Away (Apr 13)
Price: $28-$36 (includes one drink), available here
Venue: W Bangkok, 106 North Sathorn Rd.
The hip hotel brings back its annual Songkran pool party, with this year’s edition under a tropical theme. Expect music from DJs Mendy Indigo, Orawan, Arun and Kurrypup on the wet deck from afternoon till evening.
H20 Open Air (Apr 14, 1-9pm)
Price: Presale $16, $24 at the door
Venue: II Plaza Athenee Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel, Wireless Rd.
The afternoon pool party sponsored by Bacardi, Chang, Thai Bev, and Siam2nite carries on into the night with DJs Octo, Tech-12, To-Ru, and KC supporting the lush pool area for a day of fun in the sun.
Songkran Splash by the Pool (Apr 14-15)
Price: Barbecue ($24), Barbecue and endless drinks ($64), available here
Venue: Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel
Celebrate the Thai new year wheeling water guns and tossing pool balls around while a barbecue is grilling and DJ Fabrizio’s beats play in the background.
Sky High Splash Out Songkran (Apr 15, 4pm onwards)
Price: $38 (includes two standard drinks)
Venue: Attitude Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel
The 26-story-high bar hosts its first infinity pool party with their resident DJ controlling the mood all evening.
MUSIC FESTIVALS
S2O Music Festival (Apr 13-15)
Price: Tickets start at $77, available here
Venue: Oasis Arena @ Show DC, RCA, Rama 9 Rd.
Arguably the biggest Songkran-themed music festival, this three-day event welcomes huge international EDM DJs to the stage for a night of danceable beats and water fights. Headlining this year across the three days are Dash Berlin, Don Diablo and Kaskade, who’ll be joined by the likes of Laidbake Luke, Yellow Claw, Jay Hardway, Martin Jensen, Michael Calfan and many more.
GETTING THERE
There are several airlines that fly directly to Bangkok. If you’re flying on Apr 12, flights start at $224 on Tigerair, $234 on Jetstar, $413 on Thai Airways and $508 on Singapore Airlines.
