Songkran Celebrations 2023 in Chiang Rai

► Where to enjoy Songkran celebrations in Chiang Rai - Songkran activities and parades are spread all over the old city and wherever you are, it is almost certain that you will find and see Songkran's activities or water fights near you. In Chiang Rai, as well as in all cities of northern Thailand and rural areas, the cultural aspects of the traditional Thai New Year Festival are by far the main focus of festival, with the most beautiful street parades, plenty religious ceremonies and merit-making activities at the temples in the cities.
Also known as the Water Festival, the Songkran Festival celebrates the beginning of the Thai New Year. It’s a traditional Buddhist festival and national holiday in Thailand. The Thai New Year's Day is 13th April every year, but the festival period includes the 12th, 14th and 15th of April as well.
This festival is well known among tourists for the unleashed water wars which are mostly celebrated by young people. In the big cities, like Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Phuket, the major streets are closed to traffic, and are used as arenas for this water fights. Celebrants, young and old, participate in this tradition by splashing water on each other with buckets, water guns, balloons and any other vessels they can get their hands on. Nobody is spared, those who cross the streets on foot or scooters, whether they are locals or tourists, whether they want it or not, are all splashed with cold water. Traditional parades are held in all major cities and in some venues "Miss Songkran" is crowned, where contestants are clothed in traditional Thai dress.