Songkran in Phuket: Where to join the water fight?

As said, Songkran is the Thai New Year. As in many other cultures, it marks the passage of time and symbolizes change and transformation. There are many traditions surrounding Songkran, too many to name here. But in general, across Thailand, Thai people celebrate this holiday by paying their respects to their elders by visiting them and by visiting the monks at the temple by bringing food and praying ('giving merit') and by symbolically washing statues of Buddha and each other with water.

At the temples, this includes monks gentle sprinkling some water (sometimes with white or brightly colored chalk) from a bowl to bless those that give merit.

Out in the streets, it is a whole different matter. Streets are closed off so that everyone can indulge in the huge water fights that Songkran is known for. But still, there are traditional elements even in this; it's good custom to thank someone after a good exchange of 'watery blessings' by giving them a smile, a small bowl with the traditional folding of the hands, the Thai “Wai”.

Check out the dedicated article about Songkran – Thailand’s Traditional New Year

In the whole of Thailand, Songkran is celebrated from the 13th to 15th of April. In Phuket, Thai kids and tourists start the first water fights already on the 12th and the whole week there are cultural celebrations going on. On the 13th, celebrations kick off in the morning and then keep going into the 14th and 15th of April. On the 15th, the party goes on deep into the night.

The main events during Songkran 2021 in Phuket will be from 13th until 15th April.

Here’s a list of the most popular places on the island to enjoy the most amazing festival of the year!

Patong Beach & Bangla Road

April 11 – 13, 2021

Join crowd of people on Patong Beach in marking the most important celebration of the Thai New Year and water festival, Songkran Festival on the Beach, between 11-13 April. The activities include sandcastle making on the beach, beauty contest, Thai classical dances, live bands and EMD shows.

Naughty Nuri’s Phuket

April 13, 2021 from 4:00 pm – 12:30 am

Naughty Nuri’s Phuket invites you to celebrate Songkran party where you can enjoy foam party, water fight, live Reggae band, live DJ and a selection of delicious dishes.

Jungceylon

April 13, 2021 from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

This Patong shopping mall hosts Songkran festival with all day activities including fun water fight, live DJ sets & DJ mixes, and “Muay Talay” or sea boxing.

Central Phuket

April 14 – April 15

Central Phuket hosts 2-day Songkran event with International EDM concert from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Get free water gun and flower necklace, when presenting shopping receipt for THB 5,000 or THB 2,000 between 8-15 April 2021.

Dream Beach Club

April 12 – 14, 2021

Enjoy Thai Festive Brunch followed by Guest Dj Fen, Malika Kazaokva multi-talent performers, resident DJs (Grant Collins/ Dj Armina/ Dj Chris BL), live musicians, Dream Dancers & Dream B-Boys, rocking the Songkran party till late night. Water guns and pool toys are provided.

The Pavilions Phuket

April 13, 2021 from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Pavilions Phuket hosts a traditional Thai New Year celebration with fun Thai water games in the pool at Firefly. Followed by an exclusive Thai inspired poolside BBQ buffet, with a selection of authentic Thai dishes from around Thailand.

Angsana Laguna Phuket

April 13, 2021 from 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm

This seaside hotel on Bangtao Beach invites you to celebrate Songkran festival at Poolside garden, featuring vibrant food and beverage stalls comprised of local vendors and hotel catered stalls, six local and international brews. Enjoy a unique blend of Thai street food, BBQ and classic dishes from the resort’s restaurants and souvenirs. Children can also enjoy kid’s entertainment zone with bouncing castle, games, face painting and movies.

Andara

April 12, 2021 from 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm

This annual Songkran Pool Party offers a range of aquatic games and fun activities all day long, followed by a delightful BBQ dinner at Silk Restaurant & Bar.

Cafe del Mar Phuket

April 13, 2021 from 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Join Songkran pool party on the beach with music by Joe Gradante, Nicola Vega, DJ Kay and DJ Man. Rubber Ducks are invited to the event with lots of surprises.

Nook Dee Boutique Resort by Andacura

April 13, 2021 from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm

Enjoy Buddha water bathing ceremony, watering the elderly, water splashing around the swimming pool, Thai Temple Fair Fun Games, Thai classical entertainment, Miss Songkran beauty contest, Thai seafood and meats BBQ buffet.

• Don’t drive a bike if you can avoid it, it’s slippery, and the tendency to close eyes when water is thrown at you might lead to a crash with the car in front of you. And a lot of drunk people will be out there partying, including you :D.
• Get a waterproof camera; the chance to ruin yours is pretty high!
• Beware of major traffic jams in towns, mostly in Patong Beach. It might take you several hours to cross it. If you are unfortunate enough to have to go to Phuket airport, go as early as possible, preferably in the morning.
• Don’t carry anything that is not water-resistant.
• Don’t wear expensive clothing; I’m not sure how easy it would be to wash the colour powder thrown at you by some teens.
• Beware of the Sun! If you happen to be on the back of a pickup truck, get a cap and water-resistant sunscreen, or you will pay a painful price the days after!
• Have fun! Don’t take it too seriously, it’s good fun (if you choose to go out there).

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