Known for its water fights and playful soaking, the Songkran Festival, Thailand’s New Year celebration, symbolises cleansing bad luck and welcoming new beginnings. Beyond the fun, it also possesses deep cultural and spiritual significance. This dynamic mix of tradition and festivity has popularised the event, attracting both locals and tourists alike. While nothing beats commemorating a holiday in its country of origin, there are still ways to embrace the culture, immerse in customs and learn more about Thai heritage. Here are four ways you can celebrate Songkran like a true local, all without crossing borders!      

Participate in Water Battles  

Locals taking to the streets with water guns, buckets and hoses, joyfully soaking each other, is a common sight in Thailand during Songkran. The act holds deep cultural meaning, indicating purification, renewal and the washing away of misfortunes from the past year. For Thais, splashing water on someone offers blessings and good wishes, manifesting happiness and positivity. By taking part in your own exciting battles, you get to experience the communal spirit of Songkran, where strangers become friends through lighthearted interactions. The tradition reflects Thailand’s values of hospitality and unity, making every participant, whether local or foreign, feel connected to the holiday’s true essence. 

Dress to Impress 

Outfits can make all the difference in how you look and feel, and dressing for Songkran is an easy way to fully revel in the fun. Many locals wear vibrant floral shirts, representing joy and celebration, while others may opt for traditional attire like the elegant Chut Thai to honour the occasion’s cultural roots. Lightweight, quick-drying clothes are also a practical choice, given the inevitable water splashes. Bright colours embody the lively atmosphere and comfortable footwear, including sandals or water-friendly shoes, ensure maximum comfort. Dressing the part not only enhances your own experience but it also shows appreciation for the customs that make Songkran so unique. 

Indulge in Thai Specialties 

Food connects you to a heritage by offering a taste of its traditions, flavours and way of life. During Songkran in Thailand, the streets come alive with food and beverage stalls selling iconic treats such as sweet and creamy mango sticky rice, a favourite for the hot season. To stay refreshed amid the excitement, coconut ice cream or fresh coconut water provides the perfect cool-down, with its natural sweetness and hydration. If you’re looking to unwind, a cold Thai craft beer or Singha beer paired with renowned Thai cuisines like Pad Thai or Tom Yum Soup will hit surely the spot. Savouring these profiles adds to the ambience, leaving you with lasting memories of Songkran.  

Enjoy Cultural Performances 

Cultural performances preserve and share a community’s background, fostering deeper understanding and respect. Traditional Thai dances, performed in elegant costumes and graceful movements, exhibit Thailand’s artistic beauty and storytelling practices. On the other hand, Muay Thai demonstrations, featuring skilled fighters displaying powerful techniques, inject an element of excitement and highlight the country’s deep-rooted martial arts culture. Such showcases both entertain and educate, contributing to a more meaningful Songkran celebration. 

So, who says you can’t enjoy Songkran outside of Thailand? After all, it’s not about the location, it’s the significance, the energy and the people you’re with that make it truly festive. And that’s where we come in! From 15 March to 14 April 2025, experience our version of Songkran at Downtown East. With a variety of themed activities, including an electrifying live performance by Thai celebrity musician Keng Tachaya, movie screenings under the stars, fun-filled water battles, powerful Muay Thai demonstrations, traditional Thai dances, exclusive Songkran giveaway merchandise with minimum spend and much more, there’s something for everyone. Slip into your floral shirts and get ready to enjoy yourself to the lively beat of Songkran here.