The long-awaited holiday, a beloved Thai tradition, has returned once more. While many joyfully embrace the water-splashing festivities of Songkran, the Thai New Year, others may choose to stay dry and sit out the soaking celebrations for their own reasons.
If you're not exactly interested about being drenched during this chaotic water fight of a festival and are wondering how to make the most of the holiday, fear not. We've put together a list of activities designed for those who'd rather not become walking puddles, along with some personal recommendations from our team of writers (who clearly love staying dry).
Hopefully, this will give you a few ideas on how to enjoy the Thai New Year without needing to dry off every five minutes. Here’s wishing you a fantastic and dry holiday ahead!
Even if you’re steering clear of the water fights, simply leaving the house might still leave you dripping. A waterproof pouch can keep your phone safe from an unplanned swim, and the good news is they’re easy on the wallet, starting at B20.
This extends to bags crafted from various types of plastic, handy for carrying odds and ends when avoiding the watery chaos of Songkran. Though the bag may keep water out, watch out for the zip – those sneaky splashes might still find a way in. Keep your phone tucked safely inside, but try not to make a show of slipping it into a plastic pouch, or you might accidentally look like you’re ready to dive into the water battles.
Naturally, the things you’ve had since birth prove useful here. Let your body do the talking – give a friendly wave and flash a warm smile to the Songkran crowd. It’s a simple way to show you’re not looking to join the water fight while keeping things lighthearted. A cheerful gesture can go a long way, though don’t be surprised if someone still tests your reflexes with a stray splash.
If you’re not keen on getting drenched during Songkran, there are certain splash zones you’d be wise to steer clear of. Popular areas like Silom Road, Khao San Road and other major tourist hubs are ground zero for water fights. These places become chaotic battlegrounds where even the driest-looking bystander is a target. Smaller alleyways might seem safer, but don’t let their quiet charm fool you – unexpected ambushes can occur when you least expect them. Public transport hubs can also be risky; a quick journey could turn into an unplanned swim.
After all, no one wants to be the villain who drenches someone en route to an important meeting. If you’re hoping to avoid getting soaked, a friendly smile can work wonders. Try saying, ‘Mai len naam, na ka/krap’ (I’m not playing with water, please) while raising a hand in a polite gesture. It’s not a foolproof defence, but it does show you’re being civil. Holding a noticeable bag or some work essentials might also do the trick. That said, don’t be too shocked if a rogue splash still finds its way to you. It’s all part of the Songkran charm, right?
One wrong move, and it’s game over. Getting around during Songkran without getting soaked is tricky, but not impossible. Your safest option is a taxi – either flag one down or use a local app to book a ride (Grab or Bolt). To avoid catching the attention of energetic water throwers, ask the driver to stop in a quieter spot, or better yet, have them drop you right at the gate so you can make a dash for it. The goal is to steer clear of those overly eager splashers lurking in wait. While buses and tuk-tuks might look appealing, they leave you far too exposed – unless, of course, you’re in the mood for an unexpected drenching.
Why go? This year’s line-up of exhibitions at Bangkok's leading art venues is shaping up to be a feast for the eyes. You’ll find everything from daring conceptual works to pointillist wonders, abstract art, modernism, pop art and naturally, an abundance of paintings that might make you wish for a bit more of the avant-garde stuff. With so much to see, you’ll never catch it all, but these exhibitions are definitely the ones worth prioritising. And if you’re trying to escape the chaos of Songkran, spending a few hours immersed in art could be the perfect remedy to the water fights and wet chaos happening on the streets. So, make sure you set aside time for the incredible shows before they come to a close.
Time Out tip: Passorn Scape, Karms' fourth solo exhibition, delves into fragments and remnants found in the spaces around us. It examines areas without clear meaning, the spaces between what we must accept and what we long for. One key theme is the shifting notion of ‘freedom’. If you’re a fan of The Little Prince, don’t miss the immersive digital experience at ICONSIAM. This captivating exhibition features interactive installations that allow visitors to dive deeper into this beloved story.
Why go? Do you know khao chae? If not, no one’s calling the food police. This dish is practically the edible equivalent of an air-conditioning unit. Made for the sweltering heat, it’s the perfect antidote to Bangkok’s sticky, suffocating summer. But here’s the catch – once the heatwave fades, so does your chance to indulge in this seasonal delight. It’s a bit like trying to find a good beach day in October – best enjoyed at the height of the summer madness, ideally around mid-April when the temperature’s truly out of control. Miss it now, and you might spend the next few months wondering why you didn’t bite the bullet and dive into that cool, fragrant bowl.
Time Out tip: The khao chae at Khao, a Michelin-starred Thai eatery, features side dishes such as shrimp paste balls, sweet stir-fried pla yee sun, fish-stuffed shallots, shredded sweet pork, stuffed banana peppers, stir-fried sweet radish, crispy salted egg yolk and ma aun. Khao has two spots – one in Ekkamai and the other on Witthayu Road. Both are open daily from 11.30am to 2pm and 5.30pm to 10pm. Anyway, having this meal won’t have you drenched, though getting there might involve a splash or two. Maybe hail a taxi unless you fancy a surprise shower.
Why go? Songkran is all fun and games until you find yourself drenched to the bone, dodging water buckets like it’s an action movie. If wading through the splashy chaos isn’t your idea of a good time, there’s always the perfect escape – cinema. Nothing beats swapping the scorching streets for an air-conditioned theatre, where the only thing hitting your face is the smell of overpriced popcorn.
Time Out tip: Soaked souls in need of refuge can look forward to a few films hitting the screens in early April. The Minecraft movie that brings the beloved video game to life with Jason Momoa and Jennifer Coolidge leading the adventure. And for fans of animated adventures, Batman Ninja vs Yakuza League offers a thrilling storyline where Batman and his allies battle superpowered Yakuza in a floating Gotham City.
Why go? If you're in the mood for a bit of adventure during the long holiday but want to steer clear of getting soaked in the Songkran water fights, how about a delightful boat tour along the canals? Jump on a long-tail boat and cruise along the Bangkok Noi Canal to see how life unfolds on the water's edge. You’ll pass by traditional wooden houses from the Rattanakosin period, dating back to the reign of King Rama V and have the chance to visit a historic temple from the Thonburi era. Along the way, you’ll discover an ancient community hidden right in the centre of the city, harking back to the Ayutthaya period. You might even catch a puppet show performed by the Ban Kamnai group, a bunch of passionate modern-day Thais working to keep traditional arts alive.
Time Out tip: There’s no shortage of ways to explore Bangkok Noi’s canals, so you can pick one that fits your mood. If a full-day excursion sounds appealing, Long Tail Boat Bangkok runs trips that weave through the waterways at a leisurely pace. But if that feels a bit ambitious, swing by Sathorn Pier – plenty of operators there offer shorter jaunts, perfect for those who prefer sightseeing without the commitment of an all-day affair.
Why go? For those chained to a desk all week, fitting in marathon training is no easy feat. Dragging yourself out of bed at an ungodly hour, stressing over work emails mid-run, then dashing home to clean up before the office grind – it’s hardly the picture of a relaxed workout. Getting the chance to run long distances without a care in the world, fully soaking in that mythical Runner’s High, feels like pure bliss. And when the holidays roll around, the usually chaotic streets turn blissfully quiet, making the perfect makeshift running track – at least until a rogue motorbike reminds you it’s still Bangkok.
Time Out tip: Lumphini Park is a top spot for runners, not least because it sits right in the heart of Bangkok and is reachable by pretty much every mode of public transport. Found in the Sathorn district, it welcomes visitors without charging a penny. The jogging path is a smooth, paved loop stretching 2.5 kilometres. There are plenty of amenities too – parking, toilets, showers, lockers and even snack stands for those who believe a good run should always end with a well-earned treat.
Why go? There’s no better way to spend a long holiday than binge-watching a new season of prestige television. These days, people consume shows like it’s a full-time job – if only it paid the bills. But with a never ending stream of new releases, sorting through the lot to find something decent can feel like a task in itself. So how do you choose your next obsession? With options ranging from drama and comedy to historical epics and beyond, half the fun is scrolling aimlessly before watching the same old comfort show again.
Time Out tip: In recent weeks, Hollywood has been quietly (or rather, not so quietly) adjusting its stance after the Oscars, preparing for the long slog that is Emmys season. Fresh instalments of Severance, The White Lotus and Hacks are bound to dominate the chatter this time around. But with any luck, Adolescence, Say Nothing and a few other worthy contenders will shake things up.
Why go? If you're looking to dodge the madness of Songkran, the rooftops offer a welcome escape from the water-logged chaos below – just make sure your drink doesn’t become a target for any rogue water pistols. Perched high above, bars offer a range of moods – some steeped in Thai tradition with views of temples, while others bring a more cosmopolitan feel with modern, Western-style interiors. Each venue brings something different, making it ideal for sipping a cocktail as the city pulses beneath you. As night falls and the city lights flicker on, Bangkok’s skyline truly shines, making a rooftop bar the perfect spot to soak it all in… as long as it doesn't rain
Time Out tip: Not sure which sky bar to choose? Have a look at Time Out's list of the best rooftop and sky-high spots in Bangkok. Each one is a perfect excuse to lift a glass at sunset and toast to the sparkling city below.
Why go? Celebrate Songkran by experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the Rattanakosin era. Explore six of the old city's temples, where you can build in traditional sand pagoda building and witness classic Thai pastimes like Muay Tap Chak (blindfolded boxing), Sepak Takraw (a team sport with a rattan ball), sword fighting, and chess. These activities, integral to the Thai New Year, were performed to ensure good fortune for the year ahead.
Time Out tip: Songkran's true essence is family-centred, offering a chance to bond and celebrate together. Experience the festival's heart by enjoying quality time with loved ones and providing children with a peaceful, educational introduction to Songkran's traditions, away from the boisterous crowds. Wat Pho, where a reclining Bhudda lies, is one of the most popular royal temples to visit during this special time.
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