Can Kids Go to Songkran Festival in Thailand?
Yes, kids can absolutely go to Songkran, and most of them love it. The festival runs April 13-15, 2027 (sometimes up to a week in cities like Chiang Mai). The key is choosing the right location, going in the afternoon when it’s cooler, and matching the chaos level to your child’s age. Toddlers do best with short 20-minute outings near beaches or quiet streets. School-age kids can handle the main street celebrations with a parent close by. With the right prep, Songkran with kids is genuinely one of the most joyful family experiences Thailand has to offer.
We’ve been living in Thailand since 2019, and I’ve seen my fair share of water fights, powder-smearing strangers, and soaked clothes. Songkran is wild. It’s messy. It’s beautiful. And with kids? It can either be total chaos…or tons of fun.
My girls are now 9 and 5 (Ruby was born in Koh Samui), and after a few chaotic early years, we’ve figured out how to do Songkran Festival right as a family.
So if you’re wondering how to celebrate Songkran with kids without losing your mind, keep reading. I’ve got all the tips, best places, and honest moments right here.
What is Songkran, Anyway?
It’s Thai New Year, celebrated every April with… water. Lots of it. But it’s more than just a giant splash party.
The word Songkran comes from the Sanskrit word Sankranti, which means “astrological shift.” It marks the sun’s movement into Aries and the start of a new solar year in Thai tradition.
Before the water fights took over, Songkran was a peaceful and spiritual holiday. Thai people would visit temples, clean Buddha statues, pour fragrant water over the hands of elders to show respect, and release birds and fish to gain merit. It’s a time to forgive, to reflect, and to start fresh: with a clean house, a clean heart, and, well, a very wet T-shirt.
The water festival officially runs from April 13-15, but in reality? It stretches up to a week in some places. In Chiang Mai, you’ll find celebrations going for five days straight. In Bangkok, the roads are often closed for parades, cultural performances, and water zones. Even tiny villages join in: with their own drums, dances, and sometimes elephants (I find this very sad!).
Songkran is huge. Over 20 million Thais travel across the country to reunite with family. And it’s not just locals, millions of tourists come just for this celebration. Hotels book out fast. The roads get busy. And the number of water guns sold in Thailand basically doubles overnight.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and splashing. Every year, the Thai government launches the “Seven Dangerous Days” road safety campaign during Songkran. It’s a time when road accidents, especially involving motorbikes, sadly increase. That’s why it’s so important to stay off scooters and be mindful, especially when celebrating with kids.
Still, despite the madness, it’s one of the most joyful holidays I’ve ever experienced. It’s pure, silly, collective happiness. People of all ages, backgrounds, and languages coming together to drench each other and say: “Happy New Year!”
No gifts, no shopping pressure. Just water, smiles, and a reminder to let go of the old and welcome the new, with open arms and a soaked shirt.
How Thai Families Celebrate Songkran with Kids (The Calm Side)
Before the buckets and chaos, Songkran was a quiet, beautiful holiday in Thai culture.
Thai families still start the day by going to the temple. They offer food to monks, pour scented water over Buddha statues, and build little sand pagodas (chedi sai) in the temple yard. It’s all about showing respect, washing away bad luck, and starting fresh.
If you’re up early with your kids (thanks, toddlers), visiting a local temple before the street parties start is such a sweet experience. It’s calm, it’s meaningful, and it gives the whole day more context than just “epic water fight.”
Our Songkran Highlights – From Tears to Cheers
We’ve now celebrated Songkran with kids in Koh Phangan, Phuket, and Koh Samui.
- Koh Phangan was sweet but small. Thongsala and Ban Tai had a bit going on, but nothing too exciting.
- Phuket felt like a battlefield. The music in Patong and Rawai was so loud, my kids were terrified. We lasted maybe 10 minutes before we bailed.
- Koh Samui was the game changer.
Here’s how it went:
In the morning, everything was still calm. We had breakfast at Fisherman’s Village: dry hair, dry clothes, peaceful sea breeze.
Then we went back to our villa for lunch and rest (important tip: don’t start early if you have small kids!).
By 3 PM, we loaded the car with swimsuits, towels, sunglasses, and water guns. Off to Lamai we went.
The Real Deal: Songkran Celebrations in Lamai with Kids
When we arrived, the energy was buzzing. Buckets of water, music at every shop, and people shouting “Happy New Year!” to everyone passing by.
Scooters and trucks were soaked. Pedestrians too. And we were right in the middle of it.
Ruby (4) was mostly in my arms, walking with a small child in that crowd felt safer. My husband held hands with Lila (8), and the four of us splashed and laughed our way down the street. Yes, we got soaked. Yes, we got surprise buckets of ice water dumped on us (bbrrrrr!!). And yes, we all had white baby powder smeared across our faces.
But the best part? Everyone was so sweet to the kids. Gentle smiles. Hugs. Little chats. The girls didn’t get overwhelmed at all. Instead, they had the time of their lives.
A Beach Break (Because Everyone Needs a Breather)
After about half an hour of walking, splashing, laughing, and getting splashed in return, we decided it was time for a break.
We walked over to the beach, grabbed some ice cream, and just relaxed.
It was the perfect reset before round two.
Ending the Day with Buckets of (Water-)Joy
On the way back to our car, we passed a group of people celebrating in front of a small resort. They had huge buckets of water and water hoses to keep refilling. We decided that this will be our team.
Next thing I know, we’re standing with them, cheering on the scooters and pickup trucks passing by. The girls were in heaven. Ruby grabbed a tiny bucket and poured water over herself again and again. Twenty minutes of self-splashing joy. She was soaked and so happy.
Eventually, we made it back to the car. Traffic? Total mess. But honestly, I didn’t even mind. Watching the chaos from our (dry) seats was kind of fun.
When we got home, we were drenched, sandy, sticky, and exhausted. But smiling.
Definitely our best Songkran ever.
What I’ve Learned – Tips for Songkran with Kids
Here’s everything I wish someone had told me before our first Songkran:
1. It can be loud and a little wild
The music, the crowds, the yelling, it’s not always toddler-friendly. If your little one gets scared easily, keep it short. Ruby was 1 when I brought her to Songkran the first time. I carried her in the Ergobaby, and we lasted maybe 20 minutes before she’d had enough.
2. Swimsuits > regular clothes
Much more comfortable when soaked. Less clinging, faster drying.
3. Bring a waterproof bag
You won’t just get a little wet. You’ll be drenched. Towels, dry clothes, and something to protect your valuables = must.
4. Pack extra towels in the car
Trust me. Sitting on a soggy car seat is not the grand finale you want.
5. Don’t worry about water refills
There are giant buckets (often trash cans!) everywhere. People love sharing. No one will say no to your little one refilling their water pistol.
6. Put on sunscreen: well in advance
You’ll be too distracted once the splashing starts. Get it on everyone before you leave the house. Don’t forget the back of the neck and ears!
7. Timing is everything
Avoid the midday heat. The best time with kids? Around 3 PM, when it’s cooler but still lively (and not too drunk yet).
8. No scooters on Songkran
Just don’t. Especially not with kids. Songkran sadly comes with a spike in traffic accidents every year, mostly scooter-related.
9. Don’t expect peace and quiet
It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s wet. But it’s also so much fun. Go with the flow (literally).
Too Much? Try These Low-Key Songkran Spots
If you’re in Thailand during Songkran but your baby’s not ready for a bucket-to-the-face moment, head to calmer places. Some ideas:
- Malls like Central Festival or Terminal 21 often have foam parties or indoor water zones
- Kid cafés sometimes host toddler-safe celebrations with water tables and crafts
- And of course, the beach! Great for a splash without the chaos
Always check local Facebook groups for family-friendly updates (especially “BKK Parents & Kids,” “Chiang Mai Family Guide,” or “Phuket Expat Families“).
Best Family-Friendly Songkran Spots
Bangkok:
Children’s Discovery Museum Many Buddhist temples host gentle rituals in the morning, a beautiful way to start the day with kids before the water wars begin.
Chiang Mai:
- Mornings near Tha Pae Gate are festive but less wild.
- Avoid the moat area (along the body of water) after noon. It gets intense.
Phuket:
Central Festival or Jungceylon Mall Avoid Patong if you want to keep your eardrums. Seriously.
Koh Samui (our fave):
- Fisherman’s Village for calm mornings
- Lamai in the afternoon for family water fun
- Beaches for a quiet break
Fun (and Crazy) Songkran Facts
Let’s throw in some trivia. Kids love random facts!
- Over 10 million liters of water get used during Songkran
- 20+ million Thais travel during the holiday
- Songkran dates back hundreds of years and started with gentle, respectful water pouring
- It is celebrated in Thailand as well as in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar
- Some elephants (in places I don’t recommend) are still part of old-style parades
Where to Stay in Thailand for Songkran with Kids?
- Bangkok
- Chiang Mai
- Koh Samui
- Phuket
Shangri-La Bangkok
- From $162 (€150) per night (Deluxe River View Room)
- Riverside location with stunning views
InterContinental Chiang Mai
- From $121 (€111) per night (Classic Room)
- Modern rooms with city or mountain views
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
- From $230 (€212) per night (Family Room)
- Read my honest review here!
Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach
- From $331 (€305) per night (Family Room)
- Overlooking Naithon Beach with direct access
- Read my honest review here!
Songkran with Kids by Age: What to Expect
Not all kids experience Songkran the same way. Here’s a rough guide based on our own trial and error.
Under 2
Keep it very short. Loud music, sudden cold water, and big crowds can be really distressing. Wear them in a carrier, stay near the edge of any crowd, and give yourself permission to leave after 15-20 minutes. Ruby at 1 year old lasted about 20 minutes in the Ergobaby before she’d had enough.
Ages 2–4
Still sensitive to noise and surprises, but starting to enjoy splashing. Stick to beach areas, hotel pools, or quiet side streets with small water guns. Avoid the main party zones entirely.
Ages 5–8
This is the sweet spot. Old enough to love it, young enough to still think it’s magical. Lila at 8 was completely in her element in Lamai: grabbing buckets, cheering at trucks, laughing at strangers. Just keep them within arm’s reach.
Ages 9+
They can handle the bigger celebrations. Set ground rules (stay together, no scooters, sunscreen on), hand them a water gun, and try not to get left behind.
Which Part of Thailand Is Best for Songkran with Kids?
| Destination | Best for | Morning vibe | Afternoon intensity | Kid verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Samui (Lamai) | Families of all ages | Calm, Fisherman’s Village | Lively but manageable | Our personal favourite |
| Chiang Mai | Culture + water fights | Beautiful, Tha Pae Gate rituals | Very intense near the moat | Great for ages 5+ |
| Bangkok | City families | Temple rituals, mall events | Organized water zones | Good if already based there |
| Phuket (Patong) | Party crowds | Quiet | Extremely loud, overwhelming | Skip with young kids |
| Koh Phangan | Quiet experience | Small local celebrations | Low-key | Not worth a special trip |
Koh Samui
Our personal favourite for families. Lamai in the afternoon is lively but manageable. Fisherman’s Village in the morning is calm and pretty. It’s the best balance we’ve found.
Chiang Mai
Great if you want culture AND water fights. The morning rituals near Tha Pae Gate are genuinely beautiful. Avoid the moat area after noon. It gets very intense very fast.
Bangkok
Organised water zones, kid-friendly mall events, and the Children’s Discovery Museum doing special activities. Good if you’re already based there.
Phuket (Patong)
We lasted 10 minutes. The music alone was terrifying. Skip it with young kids.
Koh Phangan
Sweet but small. Not worth a special trip just for Songkran.
Is Songkran Fun for Kids? (Honest Answer)
Yes, genuinely. But with caveats that depend on age.
For toddlers under 2, it can be overwhelming. Sudden cold water, loud music, and dense crowds are a lot for little nervous systems. Short outings in quiet spots are the move.
For kids aged 3-8, Songkran is basically their dream holiday. Water everywhere, strangers being nice to them, ice cream breaks on the beach. Lila at 8 was completely in her element. Ruby at 4 needed a bit more shepherding but was grinning the whole time.
For older kids (9+), it’s pure fun. Hand them a water gun and try not to get left behind.
The key is not over-planning. Go for a couple of hours. Have an exit strategy. And embrace the wet.
What NOT to Do During Songkran with Kids
This one comes up in basically every Songkran search, and for good reason. A few things that seem fine can genuinely ruin the day when you have little ones in tow.
- No scooters. Ever. The spike in road accidents during Songkran is real and well-documented. Walk or take a car.
- Don’t go out at peak midday heat. April in Thailand is brutal. 11 AM-2 PM is for staying in, not street parties.
- Don’t point water guns at faces. Teach kids this before you leave home. Eyes are sensitive, and strangers don’t appreciate a blast to the face.
- Don’t bring valuables without protection. Phones, cameras, and wallets get soaked. Use a waterproof bag or leave it at home.
- Don’t skip sunscreen. You will forget once the water starts flying. Apply before you leave.
- Don’t stay past your child’s limit. That glazed, grumpy look means it’s time to go. Leave on a high, not a meltdown.
Key Takeaways
- Songkran runs April 13-15, 2027 (up to a week in Chiang Mai)
- Best time for kids: around 3 PM, not midday
- Toddlers: max 20-minute outings in quiet spots
- Ages 5-8 are the sweet spot for Songkran fun
- No scooters, accidents spike every year during the festival
- Pack swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag
- Lamai (Koh Samui) and Tha Pae Gate (Chiang Mai) are the top family-friendly spots
- Avoid Patong, Phuket with young kids
👉 You might also like:
– Celebrating Christmas in Thailand
– 35 Interesting Facts About Thailand, I Bet You Didn’t Know
Final Thoughts on How to Celebrate Songkran with Kids
Celebrating Songkran with kids takes a bit of planning, but it’s so worth it! Have you celebrated Songkran in Thailand with your little ones yet? I’d love to hear your tips and favourite moments, share them in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day!
Yours, Lulu
Frequently Asked Questions
How do children celebrate Songkran in Thailand?
Children celebrate Songkran by joining water fights with small water guns and buckets, visiting temples in the morning to pour scented water over Buddha statues, and watching cultural parades. Younger kids often enjoy beach splashing and mall foam zones more than crowded street parties. The gentler, traditional side of Songkran (temple visits, sand pagodas, and watching elders receive water blessings) is genuinely fascinating for curious kids.
Is Songkran safe for babies and toddlers?
Songkran can be safe for babies and toddlers with the right precautions. Keep outings short (15-20 minutes), use a baby carrier to keep them off the ground and close to you, avoid loud party zones, and leave before the afternoon heat and crowd peaks. The main risks for very young children are overstimulation from noise, sudden cold water, and sun exposure.
What should kids wear to Songkran?
Kids should wear swimsuits or quick-dry clothes, waterproof sandals, and have sunscreen applied before leaving home. Skip nice shoes, avoid jewelry, and bring a waterproof bag for phones and valuables. A spare set of dry clothes per child, stored in the car, is a must.
When is the best time of day to take kids to Songkran?
Around 3 PM is the sweet spot for families with kids. It’s cooler than midday, the celebrations are lively but not yet at peak intensity, and it gives you a natural window to head home before things get too crowded or loud. Mornings are calmer and better for temple visits and cultural activities.
