Get ready to get drenched – Songkran is back. Thailand’s New Year celebration is one giant nationwide water fight, and this year Phuket’s turning up the pressure. Whether you’re temple-hopping, bucket-splashing or dancing in the streets, the island is set to deliver some of the most joyful, soaking-wet chaos you’ll find anywhere.
We’re expecting music-blasting roadblocks and smiling splashers to drench you at every turn, so if you’re planning to spend the holiday by the sea, this is your essential guide to where to go, what to wear, and how to survive the splash. Also, don’t miss our full list of Phuket Songkran events to map out your wet and wild weekend even clearer.
We know, you want to know what’s going on, but before we get into the details (that will update every day until the festival with new announcements), here’s some pro tips that’ll keep you happy in Phuket this Songkran. Stay dry? Impossible. Stay prepared? Absolutely.
Embrace the madness – If you're going to get wet, then do it with a smile on your face and embrace the experience.
Respect cultural zones – Some areas near temples are dry zones, keep an eye on signage or, failing that, do as the locals do.
Stay hydrated – Ironically, you’ll need to drink lots of water while out in the sun. Your body may be cool but you should stay hydrated – be it water or other, more fun forms of liquid.
Book accommodation early – If you’re not local to Phuket, popular areas like Patong get especially busy during the festival. The best time to book a hotel was yesterday, the second best time is now!
Secure transportation – Grab taxis and bikes can be limited, as well as the local taxi services as many drivers also take the holiday off. If you can, book a ride the day before either online or through your hotel.
Whether you find this stuff out and about or kit up before you venture out, the wet and wild streets of Phuket is not complete without a full kit of stay-dry pouches and comfortable clothing.
Waterproof phone pouch – You’ll start to see these popping up everywhere now. Bike vendors, 7-Elevens or any local supermarket have a good, but sought after stock of pouches or cases. They’re an absolute lifesaver and will allow you to keep your phone dry, memories in pictorial form and the ability to GTFO with a Grab, no matter how wet you find yourself.
Quick-dry clothes – Avoid denim and opt for breathable fabrics. A good pair of shorts or board shorts and a lightweight t-shirt or a button up are popular go-tos. Most people would say avoid any woven or knitted fabrics, suede, leather, cashmere…or you do you. Nobody’s judging!
Sunglasses – Protect your eyes from water and chalk powder, and all-round useful for a full day in the sun. Grab a cheap pair from the local supermarkets that you don't mind getting broken or lost with a solid bucket of water to the face.
A waterproof bag – If you’re carrying more than a phone and some cash, a waterproof diving bag is a good call. You can find cheap ones at Decalthon and other watersport shops – thankfully Phuket is full of them but as with everything in Phuket during Songkran, they sell out fast.
Water shoes or sandals – We understand the appeal in just sticking on a pair of flip flops and heading out into the action, although convenient they're really not the most practical shoe, slippery and often falling apart when they’re needed most. Instead, opt for a sturdy pair of velcro sandals or some waterproof shoes – or a pair of old trainers if you don’t mind giving them one last run.
A water gun – Available everywhere, you can pick them up for pennies, but if you want a good one that'll last the season, be organised and buy beforehand. Shopping centres have decent options, with both standard and heavy duty water pistols on sale. Out on the streets, expect peashooters that don’t work for more than a few hours.
Things to avoid – As with every festival like Songkran, there’s a few things best left at home. Expensive electronics, power banks, earphones, aftershave, perfume, a whole wallet, handbag… the list goes on. Use common sense and take the bare minimum for maximum fun!
As Phuket transforms itself into an open-air battleground of hosepipes and water guns, it can be hard to know where to go to find the action, or to avoid it. From street-wide soakings in Patong to lively but laid-back splashes in Old Town, every corner of the island has its own way of celebrating. Looking to dive headfirst into the madness? Patong is your answer. Trying to find a spot to have fun with the whole family? Try Phuket Town. Here's where to go for the best – and wildest – water fights in Phuket this year.
Why go? Partygoers, backpackers, and anyone ready to get soaked in the wildest way possible. Be ready to fight your way up and down the high streets, in a chaotic clash of sounds, sights and spray with loud clanging music, bright and eye-catching outfits and an army of opposition around to spray and play Songkran against. Be ready though. The party doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, living up to its reputation Patong will keep pumping until the last man standing with Loud music, foam parties and thousands of revelers armed to the teeth.
Time Out Tip: Plan ahead! Patong lends itself to being a long-day type of experience that becomes gridlocked once you’re there, making it hard to get out. Either get there around 10am and allow the day to build around you or come later in the day and party into the night. If you really like a party, combine both for a full day to night experience that’s quintessentially Songkran.
Getting there: Head to the heart of Patong by car or taxi and explore Bangla Road on foot. The party will stretch from the land to the sea the entire half kilometre stretch, fanning into all the side alleys.
Why go? Families, culture lovers and those who want to enjoy Songkran without the carnage of Patong usually come to the Old Town. Here you’ll likely mix with a more local crowd, with a more family friendly atmosphere with people sharing in the fun with everyone around. Great for those with kids looking to join in on the action, but still enough to keep adults entertained. Expect music, foam parties, chalk on faces and bucket splashes from all sides.
Time out tip: Arrive anytime before midday to miss most of the traffic and find your spot, at which point try if you can to get to know those around you – it’s good to have allies (and a good source of water) in this free-for-all water war.
Getting there: As the Old Town is located in the centre of the island, it’s easy to get to from all angles. If you arrive late, see what route has the least traffic – you can join from Thalang road, Phang Nga road, Dibuk road, Krabi road, and Yaowarat road – all of which tend to be the busiest.
Why go? Needless to say, Phuket is famed for its beaches. During Songkran, these seaside gems go all out for the festival, albeit far more disorganised and free-spirited than in the city streets. Aside from Patong, these main beaches – Kamala, Kata and Bangtao – are prime spots for the festival, with a noticeably more laid-back feel to them. The community is usually split halfway down the middle, with equal numbers of locals and holiday makers enjoying the world's biggest water source and enjoying a more relaxed festival vibe. With board walks up each beach as well as their own mini-subdistricts of markets, parties and activities, the beach is always a good spot for those looking to escape the shoulder-to-shoulder mayhem of the city.
Time Out tip: If you’re looking to enjoy the festivities in a more casual setting whilst still enjoying the charms of Phuket, your local high-street beach will be a great place to go. While quieter than the celebrations of Patong, these beaches will still be alive with people celebrating.
Getting there: Each of these main beaches is found in a different region of Phuket so pick on close to you and head down via taxi. As most of the island will be packed with pickups ferrying people to various splash zones, sometimes it’s better to trust your feet.
Why go: Phuket will be busy, noisy, full of tourists and fantastic – but we know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Or is that, ‘bucket of water’? Either way, if you’re looking for a more authentic, typical style Songkran this year, then Khao Lak has you covered. Get more into the culture on Bang Niang beach, Phetkasem road, or Takuapa old town and simply stroll around, make friends and enjoy Songkran as it was intended before EDM was invented.
Time Out tip: Khao Lak is a lovely part of town and deserves time to enjoy it. If you have no other plans, book a stay in the area and enjoy both the Songkran parties and the local attractions while you’re there, including Khao Sok National Park and Sarasin Bridge both right around the corner.
Getting there: If you have a car, driving to Khao Lak is easiest. The journey takes just under two hours, passing the beautiful scenery of Phang-nga along relatively quiet roads. Otherwise buses run from Rassada bus station in Phuket town all the way to Takuapa – a painless journey that will cost you anywhere from B100 to B300.
Why go: For those who prefer a stylish Songkran, Phuket’s luxury beach clubs offer premium parties with DJs, VIP lounges, and craft cocktails. Join like-minded pleasure seekers and pay for a more premium experience, either on a private beach or out to sea on a specially chartered party boat. Either way, have full confidence that at any moment you can order a drink, find your friends and split your time between lounging on sunbeds and dancing to tunes from top-tier DJs. Each event brings its own unique crowd and setting, so be sure to find one that fits your jive.
Time Out tip: With most of these being ticketed events, it's best to do your research beforehand and book early to secure a spot. For a lot of the larger beach clubs this could be an event of the year and spaces are limited.
Getting there: With all the drinking going on at these parties, it’s less about how you get there and more about how you get back. Be safe and book a taxi, or better still, have the club book one for you – you are paying a premium after all.
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