Pinpointing 'Khao' Streets for Songkran Celebrations
11 Apr 2024
April, the month of Thailand's grand annual festival, is dedicated to Songkran. This long holiday is like heaven for everyone. Whether you travel across Thailand, every province celebrates this festival with grandeur each year. From shows and concerts to road closures specifically for the festival, many places are nicknamed "Songkran Streets." Today, we’ve compiled a list of the "9 Songkran Streets" for you, featuring some of the best places for Songkran celebrations.
Khao San Road, Bangkok
Khao San Road is renowned for its Songkran celebrations, attracting tourists from around the world. Songkran festivities on Khao San Road began around 1990, as the area became a popular spot for guesthouses among international tourists. The Thai water festival tradition captivated foreign visitors. Initially, it involved simple water splashing, but by 1999-2000, the festival had grown, featuring numerous activities, performances, and vibrant water gun fights, making it a long-standing tradition. It’s one of the best places for Songkran in Thailand.
Khao Niew Road, Khon Kaen
This street's Songkran festival is as exciting as Khao San Road's. At Khao Niew Road, over 120,000 Thai and foreign tourists once created the world’s longest human wave, recorded by Guinness World Records in 17.41 minutes, defeating the previous Japanese record. This makes it a notable spot for the Songkran festival.
Khao Pun Road, Nakhon Phanom
Khao Pun Road, or the Riverside Road, is named after the province's famous dish, Khao Pun (rice noodles). Each year, the road hosts vibrant Songkran celebrations, including cultural activities like local sports competitions and religious ceremonies, such as bathing the revered Phra That Renu. It’s a cultural highlight of the water festival in Thailand.
Khao Pod Road, Nakhon Ratchasima
In Korat during Songkran, you shouldn’t miss the celebrations on Khao Pod Road. Starting at Khao Khan Public Park, the road is closed for over a kilometer for Songkran festivities, attracting large crowds for a fun-filled time. This makes it a must-visit Songkran festival location.
Khao Taen Road, Nan
Khao Taen Road, also known as Sumontevaraj Road, is the venue for Nan’s Songkran festival. The celebrations include water splashing and powder smearing, emphasizing a no-alcohol policy, making it a family-friendly spot during the Songkran festival.
Khao Yum Road, Pattani
During Songkran in the south, head to Khao Yum Road, named after the popular southern dish. The Songkran celebrations here are lively and enjoyable, just like in other provinces, and it’s considered one of the best places for Songkran in the south.
Khao Sang Yod Road, Phatthalung
This uniquely named road, after Phatthalung’s specialty rice, is another spot where locals and visitors from nearby provinces gather for a drenched Songkran celebration. It’s a unique experience of the water festival in Thailand.
Khao Lam Road, Chonburi
Chonburi’s well-known Khao Lam (bamboo sticky rice) lends its name to Khao Lam Road, where the Songkran festivities are just as lively, attracting both locals and tourists. This road is a festive hub during the Songkran festival.
Khao Suay Road, Trat
After Khao San, there’s Khao Suay Road in Trat. Named after plain rice, this road hosts alcohol-free Songkran celebrations with water splashing, powder smearing, food stalls, and other fun activities. It’s an ideal Songkran festival destination for families.
Traveling during festivals often means dealing with crowded conditions, especially during major annual events like Songkran. Celebrations often involve alcohol, which can lead to accidents. Therefore, enjoy your festival safely: don't drink and drive, and rest if you’re tired. For the joy and safety of all travelers, remember these precautions and enjoy the best places for Songkran celebrations in Thailand.