Chiang Mai Songkran 2025: The ultimate event list

While no list can capture every splash and street-side stage in Chiang Mai (though we’ll certainly try), here are our top picks for the events you absolutely shouldn’t miss this Songkran. And be sure to keep checking back – we’ll be updating this guide as more parties, parades and pop-up soak zones are announced.

This standalone water war festival is expected to bring in huge crowds as the outdoor carpark of Central Airport is transformed into one of the wettest water festivals in the city with 20-metre high water jets and a ‘never dry’ party area. Their line-up is Bangkok-worthy, with big bands including Big Ass, Bodyslam, Potato and Slot Machine playing on stage. Drinks from your favourite Chiang Mai bars will also make pop-up appearances, including Tha Chang Cafe, Warmupcafe, and One Nimman. 

Apr 13. B1,300 earlybird, B1,800 standard, tickets here. Central Chiang Mai Airport. 1pm-11pm 

Another Central party, this one at Central Festival on the superhighway. Unlike its Airport counterpart, this watery music festival lasts for the full three days, promising ‘non-stop splashing’ and the most fun in Chiang Mai, but only if you’ve had enough of the moat. Six artists will perform over three days, including No One Else, The Parkingson, Num Kala, Aof Pongsak, Boonvisut and Zom Marie. The event space has two zones, one for drinking, one for families, and those under ten years old get in free. 

Apr 13-15. B199 for one day, B399 for all three. Central Chiang Mai Festival. 4pm-midnight. 

Dubbed ‘Chiang Mai’s biggest water battle’ the Maya Lifestyle Mall’s Songkran parties are always ones to check out. This year, they’re hosting an epic 5-day celebration that is promoting non-stop tunes, massive water fights and an unofficial competition with the neighbouring Think Park event on who can be the loudest. With a focus more on DJs, the towering stage adorned with water jets sprayed by bikini-body men and women is a hostpsot for young and hip young adults. Expect to see big names like The Toys, Meentra, J-jetrin, Atlas and Retrospect. It’s also free, so that’s a big bonus – just don’t forget your ID to get in. 

Apr 12-16. Free. Maya Square, Maya Lifestyle Mall. 2pm onwards. 

Just across from Maya Square, Think Park is also hosting its own DJ-heavy Songkran party, starting a day before anyone else just for the fun of it. The main courtyard will transform into a boozy, super-spray water festival where singles (and couples) can wander in and out looking for new friends. The park’s shops and bars are all getting involved, alongside a ton of visiting vendors and water splashing PGs. Expect to hear the sounds of DJ Wanyen, DJ Bluesky, MC Shampoo, and DJ Bambies – although seeing them is a little tough as the stage is veiled by a constant spray of water! 

Apr 11-16. Free. Think Park. 

Prasert land, the empty space usually reserved for parking behind Nimmanhaemin road, is transforming again into a concert space with both wet and dry zones for the Songkran period. This festival runs from 6pm to late, and is more of an evening type of event – but expect to get just as wet as you did in the daytime. Back and bigger than ever for its second year, with a lineup including DJ Johnny Be, Good Times Ahead, DJ Naeleck, DJ Bomber Selecta and NICE CNX. 

Apr 12. B2,700, tickets here with VIP offers yet to be announced. Prasert Land. 6pm-late.

Turn up the heat a day before the Songkran weekend starts with a friday evening beats and brews party at Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. This summer party will call in the festival season with ice-cold pours, body paint vibes and DJs spinning under the stars. Special servings of Chang unpasteurised-inspired cocktails, smokey barbeque dishes and a ton of snacks keep you happy while the tunes take you into the holiday season without a worry in the world. Tickets include one free drink, or go for the cabana package for four people that comes with your own chill-out spot, two bottles of beer (or eight beer cocktails) and free food to share.

Apr 11. Entry B300, B2,900 for cabana package, reservations here. Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. 6pm-midnight.

This year One Nimman is avoiding competition with Maya and Think Park and focusing on creating a spectacular, family-friendly water park in the heart of Nimmanhaemin. The makeshift park will include a seven-metre slide, giant pool for soaking, game zones, water gun shooting, traditional ‘sao noi dok nam’ and tons of food, drinks and stalls that can entertain anyone of any age. In the same venue, there’s also a lineup of performers to keep the airways buzzing, including Scrubb, Purpeech, Whal & Dolph, Mirrr, The Richman Toy and many more. Tickets are cheap and last all day, even if you leave and come back again – what a result! 

Apr 11-15. B150 per person. One Nimman. 3pm-10pm.

Head to the moat and set up camp at Sriphum Melodic for a more reggae-infused festival with their daily lineup of DJs, selectas and live bands. During the daytime, party moatside to loud bassy tunes before heading inside at 6.30pm onwards for live music, special bar drinks and a ton of energy. Running Sunday through Tuesday, the first day features DJs spinning vinyl and cassette tapes, while the following days feature both DJs and live bands such as Smile Station, Vegan Lions and The Smiletones.

April 13-15. Free. Sriphum Melodic. 1pm-midnight, music starts at 3.30pm.

Make a splash at Songkran at Shangri-La’s Tropical Beach Party, bringing together the hottest and most glamorous party people in the city. Expect a classic pool party experience that can rival those of Bangkok, with electrifying beats from top DJs, refreshing cocktails and a ton of bikini beach vibes.

Apr 12. B650, includes one drink. Shangri-La Chiang Mai. 1pm-10pm 

The favourite backpacker hub of Zoe In Yellow and all shops in the Boon Yu Bazaar project are joining forces for a wet and wild Water Battle Songkran this year. The area is always packed with revelers during the Thai New Year but this year they plan to take it up a notch with a 360-degree water system, stage, lights, colors and sound systems that set the scene spectacularly. The event, running from April 13-15, will feature special guest DJs as well as house DJ and MC teams for a non-stop water party that lasts well into the night. 

April 13-15. Free. Zoe in Yellow, Boon Yu Bazaar. 3pm-late. 

Opt for a day of next-level celebration as Locked In Asia teams up with Outlook Festival to bring you a full-throttle party this Songkran. Kicking off at Deep Green, enjoy the best in UK Bass music, powered by a custom-built sound system guaranteed to shake your soul. As the night rolls in, the party moves to High Score CNX for the official after party with a splash of UK bass, UKG, bassline, drum and bass, grime, dubstep and jungle, said to be Chiang Mai’s biggest sonic showdown yet. DJs include Sheffield’s rising Bassline innovator Silva Bumpa, Asia’s drum and bass legend Kivi, and Rassa, Bangalore’s bass-fueled powerhouse jockey. 

April 13. All-day early bird from B300, tickets here. Deep Green and High Score CNX. 2pm-6am.

Step away from the splash zones and into the Safe House at Deep Green, a downtempo dance sanctuary made for those who want to celebrate Songkran 2025 in a more laid back way. The party is a no-splash zone however the pool is free to use and can keep you cool or maintain that ‘wet-look’ style Songkran is all about. In the daytime, enjoy sun-kissed grooves before a more dark, downtempo theme cuts straight into the night. Deep Green’s kitchen will remain open for the duration to keep you well-fed and hydrated, making it the perfect spot for a day away from the mayhem.

April 14. B200, includes a free drink. Deep Green, Deejai Garden. 3pm-midnight.

Nanairo is offering a more laid-back approach to Songkran, as long as you can navigate the moat to get into the old city unscathed. Bringing together some of the city’s favourite original music musicians including Aek Wild Sax, Suthep Band and Helicopter Secondhand, this soiree event the Friday before things heat up is the perfect way to get started and in the mood without all the mayhem. Also, Chef Kazuya joins the kitchen again for a serving of classic Japanese fare to keep your tum satisfied. 

Apr 11. Free. Nanairo Chiangmai. 5pm onwards.

A more traditional approach to a water festival, this temple-located event is said to explore the water splashing traditions of yesteryear, with a more tame, culturally focused event that sets the stage for people looking to experience what Songkran was like before the invention of EDM music. Organised by Thai Beverage PLC, this fun-slash-spiritual event is worth checking out if you’re nearby on Ratchadamnern Road. 

Apr 12-14. Free. Wat Chedi Luang. 8am-5pm

The official Songkran party organised by the government and supported by locals and vendors, Thapae Gate is host to an endless stream of ceremony, competition and performance over the festival season. A fully comprehensive schedule has yet to be released, but it’s set to include a two storey high water tunnel experience, live Lanna cultural performances, Mr and Miss Songkran competitions and much much more. What’s guaranteed is that any time of day, you’ll be sure to find something going on! 

Apr 13-15. Free. Thapae Gate. 9am-8pm

Chiang Mai’s biggest and most popular club is back this year with a five-day splash bonanza that turns the indoor-outdoor club into a watery world of music, parties, drinks and more. The carpark will be converted to a fully wet party pad, with free entry for everyone over 20 years old. Tables are first come first serve, so seats will be hard to find if you arrive late – no bookings allowed. Headliners throughout the festival week include Mamikat x Lekiize, Tong Apollo x Vox, Robi Roka, Roha and Vinjaz – each supported by two local bands and DJs each night.

April 11-15. Free. Warmup Café. 7pm-late.

Für Cafe, on Sirithorn road, is going off-piste this year with a fully dry songkran party for those who want to head out in the night and not get soaking wet after a day on the moat. From 13-15 local headliners will perform in the club zone, including Tu Darani, Chang Phuak Sammakhi and SL Music. Luckily, for those still keen to keep splashing, the outdoor Für Harbour at the front of the venue will transform into a water battlefield of fun, party goers and non-stop DJs.

April 13-15. B100 per person, per day. Für Cafe CNX. 6pm-late. 

This year it’s all about neon at Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai. Said to be bigger, better and wetter than ever, the hotel will host a fully-equipped water splash zone that lasts four days. Non-stop DJs will keep crowds entertained while the biggest discounts of food and drink all year will keep you full and festive. And, if you ever need a break, a special buffet of Asian Khao Tom at Feung Fah Restaurant will see you right.

April 12-15. Free. Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel. 11am-midnight

Enjoy a selection of graceful cultural parades and traditional Lanna dance performances at Jing Jai Village on Saturday, followed by a day of traditional Songkran festivities that include a complimentary complimentary ‘Lanna Blessing Set’ when you spend B150 or more at any participating shop or services during the day. 

April 12 and 14. Free. Jing Jai Village. 11.30am on Saturday. 12-3pm on Sunday.

Obviously no list is complete without the more cultural events, of which there are many in Chiang Mai. From elegant parades to sacred water-pouring rituals, the city offers plenty of ways to get involved beyond the water fights. Because, after all, that’s what Songkran is actually all about.

Bathing Ritual for Lanna Buddha Images 

April 1-30. Phra Singh Temple. 8am onwards

Ceremony of Pagoda Bathing Rituals and Respects to Phra Sappha Phanu Chao Dejmuang April 7. Chiang Yuen Temple. 7am-8pm

The Ceremony of Making Sacred Water Rite

April 9. Buppharam Temple and Dabphai Temple. 9am and 2pm

Chanting of Buddhist Mantras and Warding off Misfortune

April 11. Phra Singh Temple. 4pm

Ceremony of Alms and Merit to Monks for the City Anniversary

April 12. Inthakhin Temple. 7am

Yor Suay Wai Sa Phaya Mangrai Festival

April 12. Chiang Mai Cultural Centre and Three Kings Monument. 7am

Procession of Bathing the Phra Buddha Sihing

April 13. Narawarat Bridge – Thaphae Gate – Phra Singh Temple. Starting at 1pm

Mr and Miss Songkran Contest

April 13. Thapae Gate. 6-8pm

Lanna Performance ‘Pa Weni Pee Mai Muang Chiang Mai’ 

April 13. Thapae Gate. 7.30pm 

Procession of the Holy Bodhi Tree (The Thai Lanna Songkran Festival)

April 14. Thapae Road. 1-5pm

Lanna Folk Dance Performance

April 14-15. Thapae Gate. 5-9pm

Ceremony of Giving Alms, Making Merit and Prolonging Life

April 15. Phra Singh Temple. 7am

Procession of the Salutation to the Chiang Mai Governor 

April 16. Chiang Mai Governor’s Residence. 9am

Chiang Mai 729th Anniversary Celebration and Lanna-style nail dance 

April 19. Three Kings Monument. 4pm