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What It’s Like to Celebrate Songkran in Chiang Mai
By Vista Byrnes — Destination Scout / Travel Writer
A City Transformed by Water and Joy
Every April, Chiang Mai — Thailand’s cultural capital — becomes a living festival. Locals and travelers fill the streets, soaked in smiles and splashes. This is Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year celebration. More than just a playful water fight, Songkran is rooted in cleansing, renewal, and respect, and nowhere celebrates it quite like Chiang Mai.
The Spirit Behind the Splash
Songkran marks the end of the dry season and the start of the Thai New Year. Traditionally, families would gently pour water over elders’ hands to offer blessings and begin anew. That respectful ritual still lives on — though today, it’s paired with nationwide water battles that light up cities with laughter.
In Chiang Mai, the celebration goes deeper. Ancient temples, moat-lined streets, and hill tribe communities blend tradition with joy.
Why Chiang Mai Is the Ultimate Songkran Destination
The Moat Becomes a Splash Zone
The old city’s moat becomes ground zero for water play. Buckets, hoses, water guns — everything goes. It’s friendly, chaotic, and unforgettable.Sacred Rituals at Temples
While the streets are wild, temples like Wat Phra Singh offer moments of quiet reflection. Locals bathe Buddha images, build sand pagodas, and make merit.Cultural Parades & Local Pride
Dressed in Lanna-style clothing, locals lead traditional processions with music, flower floats, and blessings. It’s a glimpse into northern Thai heritage.
How to Join (Respectfully)
Wear quick-dry clothes (but dress modestly — you’re in sacred spaces too).
Use clean water, never ice or dyed water.
Don’t spray monks, the elderly, or people who clearly don’t want to participate.
Protect your electronics — Chiang Mai water fights are serious.
Join temple activities, not just street play. It’s a holistic experience.
Taste of Songkran
No Thai celebration is complete without food. Look for:
Khao Chae – rice in fragrant iced water, a cooling summer dish
Sai Oua – spicy northern sausage packed with herbs
Street fruit carts serving fresh mango, lychee, and coconut desserts
Pro tip: visit a night market for the full sensory experience — lights, food, and Songkran music echoing through the streets.
More Than a Water Fight
Songkran in Chiang Mai isn’t just a festival — it’s a window into Thailand’s soul. It’s where laughter meets reverence, where tradition flows through streets and temples alike. Whether you’re getting soaked in a water war or quietly watching prayers in a temple courtyard, Songkran will leave you refreshed in every sense of the word.
Traveler Tip:
Book accommodations early — Chiang Mai fills up fast. Look for stays near the Old City if you want to be in the heart of the action, or just outside if you want a quieter cultural retreat.
What to Eat at Songkran: Northern Thai Favorites
By Saffron Walkers – Food & Culture Editor
Feasting Through the Splash: Songkran’s Street Food Scene
In the midst of joyful water fights and sacred rituals, there’s one more reason to love Songkran — the incredible northern Thai food that comes alive during this New Year celebration. Whether you’re exploring Chiang Mai or diving into Songkran vibes from afar, these dishes capture the region’s rich flavor and festive spirit.
Sai Oua (Spicy Northern Thai Sausage)
Fragrant, fiery, and packed with herbs, Sai Oua is a Songkran staple.
It’s made with minced pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, garlic, and chili — grilled until crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
Pair with: Sticky rice and green chili dip (nam prik noom).
Where to try: Street grills near Chiang Mai’s Tha Phae Gate or local markets.
Khao Soi (Curried Egg Noodle Soup)
The crown jewel of northern Thai cuisine.
Khao Soi features soft egg noodles in a creamy coconut curry broth, topped with crispy noodles, lime, pickled mustard greens, and shallots. It’s rich, savory, and absolutely soul-soothing.
Pro tip: Add a squeeze of lime and extra chili oil.
Where to try: Khao Soi Mae Sai (legendary local spot).
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
Sweet, salty, sticky, and sunshine-bright — a Songkran must-have.
Ripe mango slices are served with glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and topped with crunchy mung beans or sesame seeds.
Bonus: It’s refreshing after hours of dancing in the heat.
Nam Kra Jeab (Roselle or Chrysanthemum Iced Tea)
Songkran is hot — you’ll need to cool down.
Local iced herbal drinks like roselle tea (slightly tangy) or chrysanthemum tea (sweet and floral) are sold everywhere during the festival.
Where to find it: Street stalls with glass jugs, often flavored naturally.
Seasonal Tropical Fruits
Fruit carts during Songkran are vibrant and ice-packed. Look for:
Lychee – juicy and fragrant
Rambutan – hairy outside, soft inside
Jackfruit – chewy, golden slices
Watermelon & pineapple – carved and salted
Refreshing, fast, and fun — these are the real MVPs between splash rounds.
Eat Like a Local, Celebrate Like Family
Food is a big part of Songkran because it’s a time for reunion, gratitude, and joy. Whether you’re grabbing skewers with friends or enjoying a home-cooked meal with family, northern Thai flavors bring depth to the celebration.
Want to experience the spirit from afar? Try recreating Khao Soi at home, or make a simple mango sticky rice and toast to new beginnings.
Traveling to Thailand for Songkran?
Don’t just pack your water gun — bring your appetite.
Surviving Songkran in Thailand – Here’s what to expect!
Books at Amazon
Discover More
Thailand Unveils Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 – UNESCO-listed Thai New Year returns with vibrant celebrations nationwide.
National Geographic for Kids – Resources for young explorers.
Songkran 101: An Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to the Thai Water Festival – Learn all about the history and practices of the Thai New Year and prepare for your own entry to the water wars!
Songkran Culture & Tradition – Every April, Songkran brings back the spirit of ancestry to signify the start of a new season.
Songkran in Thailand, a traditional Thai New Year festival – In Thailand, Songkran refers to the sun’s annual passing into the Aries constellation, the first sign of the Zodiac, which marks the traditional start of the new year.
Visiting Thailand During Songkran – If you’re looking for cultural festivals in southeast Asia or specifically want to join a Thailand Songkran holiday begin here!
Wikipedia – Your guide to Songkran from the Internet encyclopedia.
What Songkran in Chiang Mai is Really Like
GO Cybernaut Cultural Glossary – Songkran Edition
Compiled by: Nomad Shaikh – Cultural Researcher
Sai Oua (ไส้อั่ว)
Pronunciation: sigh ooh-ah
Category: Food / Northern Thai Cuisine
Definition: A spicy, herb-packed pork sausage from Northern Thailand. Flavored with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, garlic, chili, and turmeric. Grilled and typically served with sticky rice and green chili dip (nam prik noom).
Context Use: Common during Songkran feasts and street food celebrations in Chiang Mai and northern regions.
Din Sor Pong (ดินสอพอง)
Pronunciation: din-saw-pong
Category: Tradition / Festival Ritual
Definition: A natural white powder (calcium carbonate clay) used in Songkran celebrations. Traditionally applied gently to the face or body as a cooling gesture and sign of blessing. Now part of the playful, symbolic side of the festival.
Cultural Note: Though now widely used, respectful application is key — often reserved for friends or elders, not strangers.
Modern Use: Often mixed with water and used playfully like body paint during street festivities.
Wat Phra Singh (วัดพระสิงห์)
Pronunciation: wát prah sing
Category: Place / Spiritual Site
Definition: One of the most revered temples in Chiang Mai, dating back to the 14th century. It houses the Phra Singh Buddha image and plays a central role in Songkran’s spiritual traditions, including merit-making, water rituals, and processions.
Location Tip: A must-visit spot during Songkran — known for its sand pagoda activities and elder-blessing ceremonies.
More to Explore
Mahayana New Year – This January 14th celebration signifies a sacred start of a fresh year with a hope to enlighten people’s life with bliss and fortune.
Tet Holiday – Tet, short for Tet Nguyen Dan, is the Vietnamese New Year celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Vietnamese calendar, which usually falls in January or February, and this year, it takes place on February 28.
Tsagaan Sar – Tsagaan Sar, also known as the Mongolian Lunar New Year, is the first day of the new year and is celebrated by the Mongols as well as some Turkic people living across Mongolia, Russia, and China.
Cambodian New Year – The Cambodian New Year, celebrated from April 14 to 16, is also known as the Khmer New Year.
Earth Day – Fun ideas for getting the younger generation involved with Earth Day.
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Songkran Festival in Thailand Walking Tour
