Greetings all. As I posted in an earlier thread, We are in the process of planning our next trip to LOS early next year. One of the events we have always wanted to experience, (and I know some might think we are gluttons for punishment) is Songkran. However, we don't know the exact dates of when the celebrations will take place in both Bangkok and Pattaya. Both cities are on our list of places to visit. I understand that in Bangkok, the festivities only last one day and in Pattaya they last much longer. Can anyone confirm my information and maybe give us dates as to when this will all go down? We, ideally would like to be in both places but if it doesn't work out maybe just one of the cities. Thanks.

In Pattaya, it's April 13th through the 19th. I thought that Bangkok activities were during the traditioinal time period (April 13th-15th) but, since I've never been there for Songkran, perhaps a BKK resident can confirm or correct that.

 

In my neck of the woods - Chiangmai - it's April 13th-15th. In Hua Hin, it's only one day (with some minor water throwing on a few back sois the evening before).

There are 2 (two) dates of Songkran festival:

- official - it is 13 - 15 of April every year

- old - it depends on sun: the move of the sun into the Aries zodiac by Thai (imp!) astrology...

 

but in general it means: official celebrations will be in BKK 13-15 of April with most water games at last 24 hours... in PTT you can expect it from 13 till about 19 of April

 

You can check photos of Songkran in Pattaya here

I thought that Bangkok activities were during the traditioinal time period (April 13th-15th) but, since I've never been there for Songkran, perhaps a BKK resident can confirm or correct that.

Yes, in Bangkok just the three days and then everything gets back to normal again.

Thank you all for the enlightenment. We will plan accordingly. Again, hope to see/meet some of you while in Thailand.

As an added comment, throw a few of those plastic lunch baggies in your luggage as they come in very handy to protect your personal items (wallet, passport, whatever) when you're out on the street. I've used them for years. I also take a somewhat larger plastic bag to protect my camera although, if on a given day you intend to really get into the water throwing, it's best to simply not bring your camera as it will get soaked regardless of what you're carrying it in.

 

But, most important, have fun. Many falang hate Songkran whereas I've enjoyed it very much over the years. But I must admit that I don't think I'd like any more than 3 days of it anywhere.