Koh Samui Songkran

Songkran is the Thai new year, celebrated annually with a water festival between 13 and 15 April. A true highlight of Samui's event calendar, Koh Samui takes Songkran as "seriously" as the rest of Thailand – a deluge of good-spirited fun, best experienced up-close, in-person and without reservation. Let's get started.

Songkran – the water festival – will be among the most memorable festivals you'll ever experience. Only in Thailand do cheerfulness and cheekiness collide – in full litres and gallons – with such spontaneous celebration. Though there’s much more to the Thai New Year (aspects that tourists busy with their Super Soakers will never see), Songkran's full day/s of water fights can’t be missed. April on Koh Samui is the hottest time of year and it’s all done in good fun – your backyard sprinkler will never be the same again! So, how to enjoy Koh Samui Songkran to the full?

What is Songkran?

In a nutshell, Songkran is the Thai New Year. Much like New Year celebrations the world over, it has always been a time to return home, visit loved ones and to wash away bad luck for a new beginning. As far as international equivalents, try to imagine a mixture of Western & Chinese New Years, with aspects of Mardi Gras, April Fool’s Day, Easter, India’s Holi and China’s Qing Ming. If you’re not in Thailand for Songkran (April 13th), you’ll see news reports of Thais having much more fun than you. Be jealous – this is a country that excels at sanuk (having fun).

When is Songkran?

Songkran dates are April 13 through April 15. The entire Songkran holiday runs from April 13 to April 15, but the main event and biggest water-throwing is April 13th. In other parts of Thailand, the water-throwing lasts longer, but on Samui, it's (nominally) a one-day event. Things usually kick off on the evening of April 12th in Chaweng, Koh Samui's busiest town. Songkran dates can shift slightly in some years (if the holiday falls over a weekend), to ensure that a full three days are holidays from work. As with Christmas elsewhere, it’s a huge holiday and many Thais take off much longer from work to go home and visit family. Given that Easter falls on April 17th this year, look forward to a great week with lots going on.

Phrase to know:

"สวัสดีปีใหม่" (sa-wa-dee bi mai) meaning "happy new year”.

Where to stay for Songkran?

My pick: Centara Reserve Samui

‍Brand new and so pretty it's hard to handle. Centara Reserve Samui is ideal for Songkran as it's a Thai hotel chain that excels at celebrations of all sorts. Its Chaweng location is a prime spot to enjoy some of the fun but most of all? Its enormous, ridiculous, utterly incredible beachfront pool is the perfect starting point for a holiday based around water.

‍More hotel ideas

• Mid-range: OZO Chaweng Samui
• Couples: SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
• Families: Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
• For a party: Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach

Where’s the best place for Koh Samui Songkran? Whether it’s a pool party or a gala dinner, there are lots of Songkran events all over the island. Broadly speaking, the place best for Songkran depends on how fully committed and ‘in the thick of things’ you’d like to be. Introverts and extroverts will head to different corners, as too might families with young children. A quick guide to choosing the best Koh Samui Songkran location for you:

Chaweng

Head to Chaweng’s main high street if you’d like to emerge on April 16th wondering quite how you survived. Foam parties, DJs, lots of backpackers using the word “epic” and boozy brunch offerings galore. Chaweng is the busiest place by a long shot, so you'll enjoy Songkran here if you like a crowded environment with a buzz about it. The area around Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach will be the busiest.

Lub d Koh Samui is a popular party spot on Chaweng Beach

Choeng Mon or Maenam

Choose either of these beach towns if you’re celebrating Songkran with children (or a hope for something less than total bedlam). Any of the quieter towns on Koh Samui will be great fun with a PG-13 face. Particular recommendations include Melati Beach Resort & Spa (amazing with kids) and Meliá Koh Samui (too wet? your hotel room is a boat).

Bophut and Fisherman’s Village

Choose this area if you’d like to experience a mixture of all of the above – generally one of Koh Samui’s best atmospheres, whatever the occasion. Here, my hotel recommendations are Hansar Samui Resort & Spa (fantastic location), Bandara Resort & Spa (great with kids) and Smile House (in the middle of everything).

Koh Samui’s west-ish coast

Clockwise around the island, Laem Set, Taling Ngam, Lipa Noi and Bang Po are the least touristy parts of Samui (or, at least, much less so than Chaweng/Bophut). Choose this area to see the best approximation of ‘real’ Songkran on Koh Samui. (That is, excepting Nikki Beach, a big party spot).

Or – just stay where you are

Unlike finding a great New Year’s Eve party, you don’t have to look for Songkran – it will happily come to you. Rather than heading off in search of The Best Ever, I recommend staying off the roads and enjoying the day with familiar faces and a supply of dry towels nearby in your hotel room.

What to pack for Songkran

1. Waterproof Phone Case

Just bought a new iPhone? Your Thai friends just bought new buckets. It's a free-for-all. To save any tears, put this waterproof trick up your soggy sleeve: To be a total, utter genius, bring a waterproof phone case to take photos in the deluge (and keep it functioning for the rest of its natural life). Cheap waterproof cases are for sale everywhere on Koh Samui and they don't work. (I'll show you my Songkran-fried phone to prove it). More than any other Songkran tip, be sure to put your phone in a high-quality waterproof case.

2. Slip-On Water Shoes

Thailand's pedestrian surfaces can be treacherous even when dry, and flip-flops will fall off your feet as the ground gets drenched. Regular running shoes have great grip, but you'll have soggy feet for days. Ideally, choose shoes or sandals that keep your feet safe when it gets slippery and dry quickly. These slip-on water shoes are perfect for the task.

3. Sunscreen and Sun Safety

The sun, friends, the sun! Waterproof sunscreen is crucial for Songkran Survival. Be as clever as you can be with sun protection – a UPF 50+ shirt (in a dark colour) and a hat would be genius. I like this UPF bandana because you can tie it however you need to, but it retains its UPF 50+ protection even when soaking wet. Meaning? It will keep you cool and keep your neck from burning, all at once.

4. Pocket Waist Belt

I bought one of these for a very short-lived running career and now just use it when Doing Adventures. It’s stretchy enough to store whatever you need while out and about but – crucially – keeps your hands free. (And you just throw it in the washing machine to clean it). Waterproof your phone but use this pocket waist belt to store your hotel keycard, credit cards and perhaps a tube of electrolyte tabs or a small tube of sunscreen. Don’t put cash or any paper inside – it will turn into soggy mush.

What to wear for Songkran

The dress code for Songkran: Besides perennial advice about what to wear in Thailand, on Songkran, dress as though you're going to the supermarket knowing you'll be thrown in a pool on your way there. Specifically:

• Running shorts or board shorts
• A dark T-shirt (ideally UPF)
• Swimsuit underneath, real clothes on top

Tip: Note temple dress codes if you're observing any religious aspects.

Women's dress code for Songkran

Ladies, avoid white shirts and – this is a bit awkward – white trousers! Official statements are released at Songkran urging women to consider their clothing choices at Songkran. Use common sense for this modest country and its very strong sun. Wearing a bathing suit or bikini top anywhere but the beach or pool is considered very rude. (And stripping naked in a restaurant, even worse). Though you'll see many tourists wearing just their swimsuits during Songkran, follow the Thai example and cover up a bit.

Men's dress code for Songkran

Anything else to be a super (Soaker) genius? Again with the "please be modest and sensible with the sun". Glance at any Songkran photos and see what Thai men are wearing – no one is shirtless, ever. Instead, this is your one opportunity of the year to wear a supremely obnoxious Hawaiian shirt – the brighter, the better. Curiously, this is the unofficial uniform of Songkran. Alternatively, a rash-guard or surf t-shirt will dry quickly (unless someone has rigged a nearby fire hydrant).

Songkran Weather

What’s the weather like at Songkran?

As it so happens, the day after Songkran – April 16th – is the hottest day of the year for Koh Samui's average temperatures. Remember to drink as much (bottled) water as you throw, pour and pistol! Here's what to expect from Koh Samui weather on April 15th:

• High humidity
• 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F)
• High dew point (so it feels muggy)

That being said, in recent years Songkran was unseasonably chilly, so statistics only take us so far.

Your questions

Why is Songkran known as the water festival?

Songkran, the Thai New Year, falls in April (conveniently the hottest month of Koh Samui’s climate and when it’s nicely steaming in Thailand generally). Not only is water a great way to cool off when temperatures soar well above 30°C/86°F, but the festival’s traditional roots involved water for its symbolism of cleanliness and fresh starts. Much like Christmas has morphed from its traditional roots, today, Songkran is an energetic, country-wide water fight. Super soakers, water cannons and gallon buckets have replaced the gentle water-pouring of yore.

Tip: In a car? Ensure your car doors are locked and that your windows are rolled up at all times, starting on April 12th (just to be safe). Otherwise, water will find its way inside.

What is Songkran like on Koh Samui?

Songkran’s soggy festivities mark the much-anticipated Thai New Year, rightly celebrated in the hottest part of the year with lots and lots of water. Get excited, and get ready! Songkran is wet, wild and ridiculous. As with most things, Thais celebrate their new year in a “go big or go home” fashion. Farangs (foreigners) might know Songkran as the water festival (water is believed to wash away bad luck). What began as a gentle pouring of water over family and friends’ hands or shoulders is now a country-wide free for all. Many Thais opt for full bucket measurements.

What to expect at Koh Samui Songkran?

You'll get drenched. On-duty police, monks and the elderly are exempt – but you, Johnny Foreigner, are a prime target. With three exceptions (monks, uniformed police and the elderly), there are no innocent bystanders. Nobody is safe from a good dousing. Let's repeat that: NOBODY. Suddenly soaked? It's 32°C (90°F) – what's the problem? As long as you play by the rules, Thais are more than happy for you to join in – the more the merrier! So, above all, simply enjoy the festivities.

How to enjoy Songkran?

There are just 3 easy rules:

• Never get angry
• There’s no viciousness in Songkran
• Don't wear white

Tip: Immunity? Afforded to monks, uniformed police and the elderly.

How to join in?

First, remember that it’s all in good fun (getting angry is perhaps the #1 'Don't' in Thailand).

• Rules of combat? Deliver your h30 cache to the unsuspecting, with a cheeky smile.
• Sitting ducks? Dry people.
• Best water temperature? Chilled to near-freezing, for extra shock value!

Creative additions? Don’t be surprised to see soaps suds, flour and talcum powder – even Tiger Balm – sometimes mixed into the water. Covered in head-to-toe paste? It's just coloured flour or talcum powder. Is your skin tingling? Don't worry, nothing sinister – Tiger Balm or prickly heat powder is sometimes mixed in. Standard rules of playing nicely apply. If it didn’t fly on the school playground, don’t do it.

What to expect at your hotel during Songkran?

Think you’re staying somewhere too stuffy or high-end for Songkran? Think again! Thailand is set to surprise you. Songkran is truly a country-wide celebration – nowhere is too stuffy or formal to partake. I've even been soaked in the marble lobby of a five-star Bangkok hotel – by the hotel’s own doorman. Many hotels will offer guests the chance to take part in both traditional and ‘fun’ aspects of Songkran, likely including:

• Ramwong parade with drumming
• Sand-castle building
• Tak Bart water-blessing ceremonies
• Thai dancing performances
• Live music and lucky draws

And tons of food. Some hotels, mindful of island water shortages, are encouraging participation in family games and ‘sports day’ competitions.

How to come prepared?

Other than the packing and clothing tips, mentioned above, you’ll need a bucket, bottle or a water pistol (the bigger the better). They're sold everywhere during the Songkran period. Other than that – Ziplocks. Lots of Ziplocks.

What is there to do during Songkran?

Grab a bucket! Songkran is a watery affair. Songkran takes place in Samui’s hottest period. Hoses, buckets and full gallon drums are all likely weaponry and the truly enthusiastic roam the streets all day from the beds of pickup trucks. There are rules of conduct as well as traditional aspects but, for the lucky tourist, it's by and large a massive water fight.

Is Songkran good?

Readers have asked me this and I'm not sure if they mean 'a good time' or 'good rather than evil'. Big yes to both. It’s a holiday of great sanuk (fun) and is an occasion for the entire community to come together in well-wishing.

Is it a bad time to visit Koh Samui during Songkran?

If you can’t handle: (A) mid-April’s very hot weather, (B) the often hilarious cheekiness of total strangers and/or (C) crowds, then you probably know the answer. For the rest of the world? While there are a few things that sensible people should know in advance (see safety tips, below and how to come prepared, above), Songkran is a real highlight. Any visit that coincides with Songkran is a very lucky chance to experience Thailand at its best.

Is it safe to visit Koh Samui during Songkran?

For a broad statement, yes! Songkran does have a few correlated risks – much like festive periods in your own country. There's a sensible and less-sensible way to do just about anything in life.

Drunk drivers: Just like on New Year's Eve and holiday periods in your home country, when lots of people celebrate... some of them drive drunk. As such, beware on roads (as a driver and a pedestrian). Alcohol sale times are strictly monitored throughout Songkran to keep the (very wet) roads safe.

Avoid driving a scooter: If at all possible, avoid using a scooter or motorbike during the day/days of water-throwing. Drinking aside, road safety can become an issue when those driving scooters or motorbikes get a face-full of water. If you do have to scoot, you’re a conscientious sort who will always wear your helmet and who has full-coverage travel insurance (right!?).

Is Koh Samui Songkran safe for children?

Can you imagine a child's glee – the freedom to soak as many adults as they like? Yes, Songkran is tremendous fun for children of all ages but you'll want to choose an appropriate base. Parts of Koh Samui, like any tourist destination, get rowdier than others. As a broad generalisation, Chaweng and Lamai are party destinations, while Choeng Mon and Maenam are fairly sweet and sleepy. That said, each hotel is its own little world so you're only doing as you'd always do as a parent: avoiding large groups of drunk men-children hanging around Irish bars and foam parties. No problem.

What does ‘Songkran’ mean?

The word Songkran, of Sanskrit origin, denotes the sun’s movement or “change of place” into the zodiac. In this case, it enters the sign of the ram. In a more literal changing of place, it is traditionally a time of year when Thais return home to visit their family and honour their elders.

What are the traditional aspects of Songkran?

• Food
• Family
• Cleaning

Despite its soggy reputation, Songkran is still very much centred on food and family. As any good new year should, Songkran starts with a top-to-bottom home cleaning. Water’s quotidian uses make Sonkgran’s basics clear: it’s all about cleanliness and new beginnings. As well, during the holiday, many Thais will visit a wat (temple) to pray and offer food to the wat’s monks.

Business closures?

Expect most island businesses to be closed on April 13th, and many through the Songkran weekend. Business should resume as normal the following week. If you expect to need ‘official business’ things like changing flights or visiting a bank, try to get it done well ahead of time.

How to avoid Songkran on Koh Samui?

Don't want to play? Don't leave your hotel room the entire day. Seriously. Or, consider booking a private villa to keep your drawbridge pulled shut.

Koh Samui Songkran

Will Songkran be your trip's highlight? Give it some competition! Whether you want a low-key, beach bum vacation or a planned-to-perfection tropical island itinerary, The Koh Samui Guide will help you to arrive more prepared and have even more fun – before, during and after Songkran.

• Shoes: The best shoes to wear in Thailand
• My favourites: The best sun safety tips
• April: Your total guide to Koh Samui in April

P.S. You can find every tip for Thailand packing and prep in the archive, or subscribe by email and get all the details straight to your inbox. Enjoy!